Debbie Cavaldoro
Chief Executive Officer
Debbie comes from a communications background and has a masters in economics and governance. She became Chief Executive Officer at Port Skills and Safety in 2021 with the aim of raising the profile of the organisation and improving the membership offering. Debbie is an executive member of the PSS Board.
Debbie moved into the maritime sector in 2010, working for maritime professionals’ trade union Nautilus International. Initially working on the Union’s award-winning newspaper, the Telegraph, before moving into a senior management role covering policy and strategy. Prior to this Debbie was a press officer and journalist in various sectors including government, media and sport.
Debbie is also a charity trustee for The Seafarers Charity and two other charities.
Jen Maddison
Health, Safety and Culture Lead
Jen joined PSS in September 2023 as the Health, Safety & Culture Lead. She has a master’s degree in structural engineering and architecture, alongside her NEBOSH Diploma and prior to working in the port industry she worked in the construction and demolition sectors.
Jen joined PSS in September 2023, having previously spent nine years at a UK port, where she headed up the HSEQ team. During her time in the ports industry, Jen has overseen numerous construction projects including a quay extension, demolition works and a wood pellet handling plant with conveyor system and storage silos.
Jen is an accomplished member of the PSS team and has practical experience of implementing new and improved health, safety environment and quality processes, including online contractor management, inductions and permit systems. Jen leads on developing health and safety strategy for the industry and supports members nationwide to drive continuous improvements in health and safety performance through collaboration and the application of innovation.
Angela Ward
Skills, Careers and Diversity Lead
Angela joined PSS in May 2022 and is responsible for working with members and stakeholders to set the standards and framework for skills in UK ports. She launched the PSS Skills Group and working groups and developed the PSS Skills Strategy 2023-28. In partnership with the Maritime Skills Commission, Angela oversees the Skills Intelligence Modelling project that will provide data on the current jobs and skills within ports.
Prior to PSS, Angela worked in further education and apprenticeships and has spent over 20 years working with employers and stakeholders on early careers, recruitment and professional development to build talent pipelines, upskill and reskill their workforces. She is passionate about skills development and the impact it has on organisations and individuals.
Rhiannon Harty
Office and Events Manager
Rhiannon joined PSS as the Office and Events Manager in August 2022. Prior to that, her experience was in the shipping sector, having spent circa 12 years working for a service provider, technical manager and most recently as the Fleet Executive for a London based, British owner of a fleet of bulk carriers.
Rhiannon has spent an extensive period of time in attendance at ship repair yards and dry docks globally and is confident that her experience of working alongside crew, agents and port operatives makes her well suited to working closely with members.
