Andrea Howard is a senior finance and operations leader currently serving as Chief Finance Officer at South East Cornwall Multi Academy Trust (SMART Schools Trust), a growing trust serving communities across South East Cornwall.  A CIPFA Associate Member, Andrea brings strong professional grounding in public sector finance alongside a career that spans both industry and education.

Prior to moving into education, Andrea held a senior operational role with an international hotel chain, overseeing retail sites across multiple countries.  That commercial experience gave her a solid foundation in strategic leadership and multi-site operational management, which she has carried into her subsequent senior roles in the education sector.

Andrea is known for her energy and appetite for innovation —  actively seeking out new ideas and approaches, and bringing fresh thinking to the organisations and communities she serves.  She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and brings both strategic perspective and practical experience to trust governance.

Beyond her executive role at SMART Schools Trust, Andrea has built a broad portfolio of governance and community service.  She is a trustee of a second Multi Academy Trust, a former school governor, a former trustee of a large community grant-awarding trust in Cornwall, and a former parish councillor — reflecting a sustained commitment to her local communities.

Since joining Learning Academies Trust as a Trustee in September 2024, Andrea has taken on the role of Chair of the Audit Committee.  She brings rigorous financial oversight, a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape facing Multi Academy Trusts, and a focus on ensuring that strong governance underpins everything the Trust does on behalf of its pupils, staff, and communities.”