CLA East appoints new Regional Coordinator

Tina Palmer has been appointed Regional Coordinator for CLA East. As Regional Coordinator Tina oversees the CLA branch committees in the region and is the first point of contact for members who contact the regional office.

Tell us about your career to date.

My early career was spent working for large companies such as Willis Faber & Dumas in Ipswich; Fisons plc (at the HQ in Ipswich); and Barclays Insurance Services. I then joined a small company which designed and built interiors for upmarket hotels, restaurants and pubs both in the UK and in Scandinavia, working as PA for the General Manager and Project Manager.

My next career move was to Mid Suffolk District Council, where I was PA to the Chief Planning Officer.

On leaving the Council, I was appointed Branch Co-ordinator for the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England. I was one of the first employed members of branch staff for the RTPI, taking over many of the tasks previously carried out by volunteers. Over time, the role was changed to Regional Coordinator and Event Organiser. I was employed by the RTPI for almost 28 years and remain in contact with many of the committee members, both past and present, who I am lucky enough to call friends as well as colleagues. Since then I have worked for planning consultancies before joining the CLA.

What was it that attracted you to work for the CLA?

The job specification for Regional Co-ordinator for CLA East reminded me of the “buzz” I experienced whilst working for the RTPI. I really enjoy working in a busy environment, where no two days are the same. It combined my experience of working within a membership organisation, with my newly found interest in environmental issues. I do not pretend to know everything and am not afraid to ask lots of questions. I have been assured by my CLA East colleagues that no question is a stupid question!

What are you looking forward to the most about the new role?

I am really looking forward to getting to know more members, either by speaking with them on the phone or meeting them in person at committee meetings or other events. I am interested to find out what their latest issues and concerns are and am looking forward to paying a visit to some of the remarkable venues and sites within the region.

I am already aware of the vast expertise and knowledge which staff members of the CLA East team have, and if I can help them in any way and learn anything from them in the process, I will be very content.

Tell us about your interests outside of work.

First and foremost, I am a very proud parent to two remarkable young adults who have both achieved huge success in their careers so far.

My main interest outside of work relates to music. I started playing saxophone at school and, when I was 15, I joined a Big Band made up of teenagers and young adults from the Ipswich area. I was one of five saxophonists. I have continued to play in big bands and other function bands in Suffolk, including a soul band specialising in music from the Blues Brothers. I met my husband whilst playing with the soul band and we continue to play in bands together. In total contrast, I am also a member of the RAF Honington Voluntary Band, which plays at military events held both at RAF Honington and elsewhere in East Anglia. We can be seen marching through the cobbled streets of Bury St Edmunds on Remembrance Sunday, leading all the troops out of Abbey Gardens. This is both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure.

To contact Tina email tina.palmer@cla.org.uk or call 01638 590 429.