Dr Rona Mackenzie spent twenty years in education, working in six local authorities during her career. After graduating from Bedford College of Physical Education, Rona held an array of posts ranging from teacher, Head of Department, Pastoral Leader, SENCo, Assistant and Deputy Head and experienced a full range of responsibilities across all facets of school leadership and management.
Whilst working full time, Rona completed a Masters in Educational Disadvantage and SEN in 2005 and a Doctorate in Education in 2012 at The University of Birmingham. She holds the National Professional Qualification for School Leadership and the Professional Qualification for School Inspectors, conducting Ofsted inspections in the secondary school sector.
In 2013 Rona was appointed as the founding Principal of Lincoln UTC, a new college for 14-18 years olds specialising in Science and Engineering. She spent three a half years developing the college and students achieved great success in their academic, technical and personal development.
Rona returned to university in January 2017, and completed an MBA at Sheffield Hallam University Business School. She now runs an educational consultancy company and is Chief Operating Officer for a luxury jewellery company.
Rona is a keen sportswoman and mountaineer, having trekked in various countries across the world. Her heart lies in the Himalayas, where she has recently over 6000m to summit Stok Kangri: she plans to return to the Everest region this year to summit Mera Peak, raising money for a spinal rehabilitation charity in Chitwan.