Broads Authority Board welcomes new Members

Five new Members have joined the Broads Authority's Board, giving their time and expertise to help manage Britain's largest protected wetland.

Gail Harris, Heather Hilburn, Curig Johnston and Tim Munday have all been appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).  James Reader also recently joined the Board as a co-opted Member from Suffolk County Council.

The Broads Authority Board is made up of 21 appointed members, 10 of whom are appointed by the Secretary of State, 9 selected by local Councils and 2 from the Authority’s Navigation Committee.

Harry Blathwayt, Chair of the Authority said of the appointments:

“The Authority has always been blessed with a huge breadth of experience and knowledge provided by our Board Members. This tradition is set to continue judging by the impressive track records and enthusiasm displayed by our newest Members. I am confident that they will contribute fresh ideas as we explore new opportunities and navigate the challenges facing this very special landscape.”

Gail Harris is no stranger to the Broads Authority having previously served as a Norwich City Council co-opted Member until 2023 when she retired as a councillor. She is a trustee of two charities and volunteers at a local community centre. Gail intends to use her extensive experience in the public sector to help protect the Broads for future generations and make them accessible to all. Gail will also serve on the Authority’s Risk, Audit and Governance Committee and the Standards Committee.

Tim Munday grew up in Norfolk and the Waveney Valley and has fond memories of summers spent sailing in the Broads. He is deeply proud of his roots in the Broads and describes a “connection with nature which can be a real driver for change”.  For Tim this began at How Hill on a primary school trip, sparking a fascination for Swallowtail Butterflies. He currently leads a team implementing climate resilience workstreams for the City of London’s Climate Action Strategy. This draws on his civil engineering qualifications and experience working on flood defences on the River Thames. Tim will also serve on the Authority’s Risk, Audit and Governance Committee and the Standards Committee.

As well as joining the Board, Heather Hilburn will sit on the Authority’s Navigation Committee which will benefit from her experience of setting up a national network of coastal and estuary management partnerships.

She is a transformative leader in place-making and green growth, driven by a passion for healthy, economically resilient, and inclusive communities that value nature. Heather has held a series of senior roles in the heritage, tourism and charitable sectors. This includes overseeing the cleanup and rewilding of canals and rivers and working with farmers in Norfolk to implement regenerative agriculture and catchment-sensitive farming. Heather has an impressive track record driving change in the culture and heritage sector for iconic locations such as The Tate Modern, The Tower of London and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London.

Curig Johnston brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, innovation, and large-scale transformation from both the public and private sectors. He is an expert in the responsible use of AI, data, and digital technologies, using these to improve customer experience. He has a decade of board level experience leading large teams in complex regulated industries and cares passionately about protected landscapes and the value they offer. Curig will also serve on the Authority’s Risk, Audit and Governance Committee.

James Reeder has always lived in Suffolk, most recently in Lowestoft, near Oulton Broad. Following a six-year career in the Merchant Navy he came ashore working in the retail sector whilst helping manage the family care home business. During this time he became a passionate member of the Lowestoft and Waveney Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, including a four-year term as Chairman. He was elected to the County Council in 2017 and has held Cabinet responsibility for Public Health and Prevention (during the Covid-19 pandemic) and Children’s and Young Peoples Services until 2024. He has a strong connection with education, serving as a school governor and also helped to launch a Community Interest Company which connects businesses with educators. James will also serve on the Authority’s Planning Committee.

Friday 22 August 2025