Our people

Tomo Thompson, Chief Executive

Tomo has a deep interest in people, place and nature. When not at his desk he is often found walking, running, climbing, cycling, dog-walking, or photographing his way round countryside, hills and mountains near and far. A retired Army Officer, he also teaches outdoor pursuits, is a volunteer countryside warden, and a volunteer member of the local mountain rescue team.

Susan Belt, Admin and Finance Officer

Susan manages the office and oversees our computer and finance systems. She also organises our volunteers and looks after our members.

Cassa Townsend,

Engagement Lead

Cassa is our Engagement Lead, working 3 days a week to engage and connect people in all aspects of our work and raise awareness of the wider work of the charity. Cassa grew up in the Hope Valley and now lives in Sheffield, and regularly enjoys accessing the national park landscapes on foot or wheels!

Rebecca Simpson, Digital Communications Lead

Rebecca leads our marketing and communications, supporting our work two days per week. She joins at an exciting time as we approach the charity’s centenary year and brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a focus on digital communications. She can often be found running through the city parks or walking her cocker spaniel in the Peak District. With her background in marketing, we hope to reach even more people who are passionate about the Peak District and South Yorkshire countryside.

Tony Wallace, Planning Officer

Tony Wallace has been an RTPI chartered planner for 15 years and has worked across five different English counties in both development management and local plans. He works for the charity part time providing planning advice. He lives in a village between the city of Sheffield and the Peak District National Park and regularly drags his young family out for long walks in the Dark or White Peak. He spends what is left of his free time rescuing people having volunteered with a local mountain rescue team for over ten years, and also if at all possible by trying to enjoy himself in the relative peace of the countryside, walking, fell running, climbing, kayaking and swimming.