Northern Ireland Veterans Awards

Alana Surgenor has worked with the Forces Employment Charity for almost 10 years as an Employment Consultant. Supporting veterans has been a true highlight of her career, and she is passionate about helping individuals build confidence and achieve new goals in their careers, while bringing a strong understanding of the unique experiences of veterans across Northern Ireland.

This marks Alana’s fifth year on the judging panel, having been part of the original team who supported the awards from their very first year through to now. She has seen the awards grow in both scale and popularity, and has thoroughly enjoyed being part of that journey. Reading the testimonials and hearing the stories of veterans remains one of her favourite aspects, with each entry offering a powerful reminder of the incredible contribution veterans make to the local community.

Bryan Phillips is a former soldier who proudly served for 10 years with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, completing operational tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, while on patrol in Afghanistan, Bryan sustained life-changing injuries, losing both legs above the knee. Following his recovery and transition from military life, he has dedicated himself to giving back—committing his time and energy to fundraising for military charities as a way of thanking them for the vital support they provided him.

Today, Bryan channels that same determination into running his business, Soldier On Coffee Co, while also embracing family life—often found taxiing his kids to football most nights of the week. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to military charities across Northern Ireland, Bryan was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2024.

Carl Fisher is a senior leader at Google, bringing extensive experience across global technology and business operations. Prior to this, he held a number of senior roles at Microsoft, Yondr and Amazon, building a strong track record in leadership, strategy and organisational growth.

Before transitioning into the technology sector, Carl served for 23 years in the British Army, where he developed significant experience in leadership, operational planning and team management. His military background continues to influence his approach to leadership, particularly in high performance and fast paced environments.

Carl brings a unique combination of military experience and global corporate leadership to the judging panel, offering valuable perspective in recognising excellence, resilience and service.

Cdr Tom Wardley commissioned into the RN in 2003. Between deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan he enjoyed a two-year assignment to RN Gibraltar. Following troop command in Medical Squadron, Cdo Logs Regt he deployed to the Mediterranean in 2016 in support of operations in North Africa before moving to PJHQ, conducting medical planning and assurance across the Middle East, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. In 2018 he deployed to UK Maritime Component Command in Bahrain as SO2 Medical before joining the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, a period that included the Covid-19 pandemic and culminating in a 4* Commander’s Commendation.

In 2020 he joined JFHQ, the UK’s Extremely High Readiness HQ, deploying within the Operational Liaison & Reconnaissance Team to Lebanon and serving as the Military LO in the FCDO’s Crisis Management Dept. Promoted to Commander in 2022, he deployed to Eastern Europe as OC of an in-country medical training mission. On his return, he attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course before taking up his current role as Senior Naval Officer NI, serving as the focal point for all RN activity in the region, delivering Defence Engagement, maritime enterprise and CUI/CNI resilience.

David Johnstone serves as the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, representing and advocating for veterans and their families across the region. Appointed to the role in 2024, he brings extensive military and leadership experience to the position.

A former officer in the British Army, David served for over two decades, rising to the rank of Major. His career included a range of operational and leadership roles both in Northern Ireland and further afield, alongside significant responsibility for personnel and welfare.

In his role as Veterans Commissioner, David works closely with government departments, statutory organisations and the wider charity sector to improve outcomes for veterans. His focus spans key areas including healthcare, employment, housing and overall wellbeing, ensuring that those who have served are properly supported and recognised.

He is widely respected for his commitment to championing veterans’ issues and for driving collaboration across the sector to deliver meaningful and lasting impact for the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland.

Graeme has been with Citi since 2012 and is currently a Senior Vice President leading process Improvement across Services, Markets, and Banking know your customer (KYC).

Graeme brings a strong track record of operational excellence and strategic leadership. Prior to joining Citi, he served for nine years in the British military, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and leadership principles that continue to underpin his approach today. Since joining Citi, he has held a variety of roles, including positions in technology, where he delivered transformative initiatives that improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and enhanced service delivery.

He previously led the Belfast Site Business Office, playing a key role in shaping site strategy, enhancing employee engagement, and driving cross-functional delivery across a complex global organisation.

In his current position, Graeme works closely with senior stakeholders to challenge legacy practices, simplify operating models, and embed sustainable, policy-aligned processes. His expertise spans organisational strategy, programme execution, and cross-functional leadership, making him a trusted partner in delivering large-scale transformation.

Graeme’s commitment to professional development and community impact was recognised through an Honorary Fellowship from Belfast Metropolitan College. He is passionate about social mobility, skills development, and creating opportunities for future talent across Northern Ireland.

Kingsley Donaldson has had a varied military career beginning in the Army Cadet Force, spending time in Queens University OTC and the Army Reserves with the North Irish Horse, and finally the Regular Army at the Royal Tank Regiment.

Upon retirement he took up roles within the Veterans community including as the National Chair of the Veterans Advisory and Pension Committees and Chair of the Veterans UK Independent Complaints Panel.

He has developed a portfolio of employment roles in strategy, public affairs, peace-building and conflict resolution and is the proud owner of The Mad Hatter Group of cafes and a catering company.

Leigh is a Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) and seasoned global banking leader, whose distinguished career spans nearly four decades across international financial services. Until February 2024, he served as Managing Director and Site Head for Citi Belfast, leading a 4,200-strong, multi-disciplinary and multicultural team representing 68 nationalities.

Throughout his tenure, Leigh championed inclusive leadership, spearheading initiatives that supported marriage equality in Northern Ireland, alongside advocacy for carers, immigrants and individuals living with physical and mental health challenges. His leadership approach is grounded in respect, cohesion and empowerment.

From his early military service in the Rhodesian Army’s Corps of Engineers to becoming Global Head of FX Operations at Citi, Leigh has demonstrated exceptional strategic and operational leadership. In this global role, he was responsible for over 1,000 staff across 69 countries and managed a budget exceeding $86 million.

Leigh has also held a number of prominent industry positions, including Chair of TheCityUK Belfast and Chairman of the Bank of England’s FX Joint Standing Committee Operations Group, reflecting his ongoing commitment to innovation and regional development.

Leigh brings a unique blend of military experience, global financial leadership and local engagement to this year’s judging panel, and we are delighted to have his insight and expertise involved.

Lesley has over 35 years of experience in business including property development both residential and commercial building a distinguished career in several sectors.  She is know for her strategic vision and hands-on approach, successfully delivering a wide range of high profile projects, earning a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability.  She is guided by a strong commitment to community-focused growth.  Her work is rooted in the belief that successful development and progress extends beyond buildings and should enhance the lives of the people who live and work within those spaces.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, she has played a key role in shaping the local property landscape, combining business acumen with a deep understanding of market trends. She has championed projects that contribute positively to the local environment, prioritising thoughtful design, sustainability and long-term value for the community. Her collaborative approach has enabled her to work closely with local stakeholders, ensuring developments reflect the needs and character of their surroundings.

As an accomplished entrepreneur with a strong local profile, she is widely recognised not only for her business achievements but also for her dedication to creating spaces that foster connection, support local economies, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Lesley is driven by purpose as much as performance, she continues to seek opportunities that align commercial success with meaningful community benefit.

Liz Brown is a former Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army and a highly respected leader and advocate within the veteran community in Northern Ireland. She previously served as Head of the Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office (NIVSO), where she played a key role in developing collaborative approaches between government departments, charities and local services to support veterans and their families.

Throughout her career, both in uniform and in civilian life, Liz has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the recognition, care and opportunities they deserve. Her work at NIVSO helped shape lasting policy and practice changes that continue to benefit the Armed Forces community across the region.

Since January 2026, she has served as Secretary of the UDR Benevolent Fund, continuing her dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Liz brings a wealth of knowledge, lived experience and strategic insight to the judging panel, offering valuable perspective in recognising the outstanding contributions of the veteran community.

Major (Ret’d) Philip Morrison MBE BEM served for 34 years in the Home Service during Operation Banner, both part-time and full-time, before spending a further 15 years with the MOD Civil Service based at Thiepval Barracks, managing defence infrastructure across Northern Ireland.

He is actively involved with several Regimental organisations and is fully committed to supporting and advocating for the Armed Forces community and their families.

Philip was honoured to receive both the Role Model of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Northern Ireland Veteran Awards in 2025 and is now proud to serve as a judge on this year’s panel.

Rev. Dr Stanley Gamble is Rector of Killinchy, Kilmood and Tullynakill. He is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and mentors students within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

As Chairperson of the David Cross Foundation, he works alongside fellow trustees and patron Dr Terry Cross OBE to support and fund a range of charities and veteran groups, particularly in the area of peace and reconciliation.

Sean Molino BCA is a former British Army Physical Training Instructor who served within the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

He is the Director of Forces Fitness Ltd, a multi award winning organisation and recipient of the prestigious Gold ERS Award. Under his leadership, the company has been recognised nationally, securing the UK National Fitness Award (2021), the Children’s Activity Award Wales (2022), Business of the Year and Health & Wellbeing Programme of the Year (2022), and most recently, Business Growth Wales  Overall Business of the Year (2024) and Brand Impact Award (2025)

In addition to his work with Forces Fitness, Sean is the Founder of Veterans Awards CIC, a not for profit organisation established to promote and celebrate the positive contributions of the Veteran and Military community. Operating across England, Scotland, and Wales, and supporting the Northern Ireland Awards, the initiative has successfully raised in excess of £80,000 for charitable organisations.

Sean is also a Co-Founder of the Bridgend Knights Touch Rugby, with teams based at Bridgend Athletic RFC. Since its establishment in 2024, the club has grown rapidly, fielding women’s, junior, youth, senior, and veteran teams, and competing under both FIT and WRU Veteran Rules Touch Rugby.

Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavours, he has provided consultancy and support to the launch of numerous successful businesses and charitable organisations. He remains particularly committed to encouraging and assisting individuals in their journey towards self employment and entrepreneurship.

Sean serves as a Role Model and Ambassador for the Welsh Government funded Big Ideas Wales Programme, which inspires young people to consider entrepreneurship as a career pathway. In recognition of his significant contribution to health and wellbeing within the United Kingdom, he was awarded the British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster in 2019.

Steve Black spent 21 years in the Royal Engineers most of which within EOD & Search conducting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, N. Ireland, Libya, Syria, Pakistan, Mali & Algeria. Foolishly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he endearingly cherishes his time in the Army, particularly time in command. Now thoroughly embedded in industry he has held positions in Thales UK, BAE Systems and currently, Inzpire. Married to Susan a Primary School Teacher, he deeply enjoys the challenges of raising two teenagers. More recently, he has taken to riding motorbikes in his struggle with being on the wrong side of 50 years old but mostly because his son wants to join the RAF!

Wing Commander Jacqueline Rankin is a serving member of the Royal Air Force, bringing with her the values of professionalism, service and commitment that lie at the heart of the UK Armed Forces. Her continued service reflects a deep dedication not only to the defence of the nation, but also to representing the Armed Forces community with pride and purpose.

Throughout her career, Jacqueline has been a passionate advocate for both veterans and serving personnel, actively supporting initiatives that promote recognition, remembrance and ongoing care for the military family across Northern Ireland.

Her role within the RAF has seen her take on significant leadership responsibilities, offering valuable perspective shaped by both operational experience and strategic oversight.

Jacqueline’s presence on this year’s judging panel brings important insight into the lived experience of those currently serving, helping to ensure the awards reflect and honour the voices of both current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Valerie Wilson is a former Captain in the Territorial Army, with operational service in Iraq, who has successfully transitioned into a senior leadership role in cybersecurity. She currently serves as Service Operations Director at BT’s Security Operations Centre in Belfast, where she leads a team responsible for protecting critical public and private sector infrastructure across the UK.

Valerie’s achievements since leaving the Armed Forces have been widely recognised. In 2024, she was named Business Leader of the Year at the Northern Ireland Veterans Awards, reflecting her exceptional leadership, resilience and impact within one of the UK’s most vital sectors.

Her military background continues to shape her approach to crisis management, operational strategy and team development. Whether in a military or corporate environment, Valerie is known for her calm, decisive leadership and strong sense of purpose.

Valerie brings a valuable and well-rounded perspective to this year’s judging panel, and we are delighted to have her involved in recognising the outstanding achievements of Northern Ireland’s veteran community.