Bernie Topham – Chair

Bernie has held a variety of roles in the charitable sector, local government and, more recently at the University of Portsmouth where she was Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice Chancellor until September 2023.

She moved to Portsmouth in 1996 with her family and worked for Portsmouth City Council where she oversaw economic development and regeneration and Tourism. She was involved in a variety of initiatives including the Spinnaker Tower and the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race in 2002. Bernie has also worked for the Borough of Poole as a Corporate Director and for Eastleigh Borough Council where she was the Chief Executive.

Bernie is also a Trustee of Pompey in the Community, a Governor of the South Hampshire College Group and a Non-Executive Director of the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust.

“I’m passionate about Portsmouth and its potential. It has all the ingredients of a great city – I see Portsmouth Creates as a really positive force in releasing the creative potential in the City and helping to build a strong future for the arts, culture and creative industries.”

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