Cosmic's Board of Directors are elected annually by our Company Members. There are 4 Non-Executive Directors (non-staff) and 3 Executive (staff) Directors. The Board takes care of strategic planning for the company, monitoring and evaluation of work and finances, as well as overseeing policy and business development.
Mike Sycamore (Chairman) 
Mike has recently retired as a Local Director from Lloyds TSB after a 40 year career in banking and finance. His main areas of expertise are Sales Management, Management Development, Coaching, Training and Business Management. Mike is currently working on a freelance consultative basis for a variety of organisations including Cornwall College. He is also a Mentor for South Devon Business Mentors working primarily in the Torbay area. Mike lives in East Devon and is married with 2 children and 4 gorgeous grandchildren.
Kate Doodson 
As Business & Operations Manager in the Cosmic team Kate is able to work at Board level to ensure relevance and context to all our key strategic decisions. Kate has a background in running her own business as well as experience of working in a variety of public sector management roles. Her skills in strategic analysis and business development are very strong as is her passion for business excellence. Never one to settle for second-best Kate constantly encourages ambition, quality and key partnerships in our services and projects.
Gary Ebsworth 
Gary works on the Cosmic team as Senior Web Developer and in this role he oversees most of the major web projects. Gary is able to ensure that the Board regularly reflects on the opinions, needs and expectations of the wider staff team providing an essential communication link between Board and Staff. Gary has wider experience of business and financial management which he uses to great effect in advising and supporting board discussions and debate.
Carl Haggerty 
Carl joined the Board as Non Executive Director in 2011 and has a varied background ranging from Strategic ICT, Web and Social Media, Sustainability, Community Development, Tourism & Economic Development, Business Administration and Communications. Carl has worked in Local Government for over 15 years and is currently employed at Devon County Council where he is overseeing the redevelopment of the corporate website and all its associated policies and processes. He also acts as a governor at his children's school.
Julie Hawker 
As Chief Executive of Cosmic Julie is able to bring a full understanding of current operations as well as her own perspective on the strategic planning, evaluation and development of our work. Julie's passion for strong leadership helps to encourage board members to be active participators in considering all top level issues, ensuring that all dimensions of the businesses future are fully considered. Julie has previously held positions on a range of Boards in other organisations and is currently on the Board at Devon & Cornwall Business Council.
Sarah Stevenson 
Sarah joined the Board as Non Executive Director in 2010, having worked for the Company in various management roles since the summer of 2001. Since leaving Cosmic Sarah has taken up a role developing a successful new student engagement programme connnecting undergraduates with industry for the Business School of Plymouth University. Sarah has also acted as a school governor and has previous experience of both public and private sector work.
Keith Tizzard 
Keith has been involved with Cosmic virtually since our beginning. He was a user of the original Cosmic Internet Cafe when it opened back in 1996 and was a Member of the Advisory Board for a number of years. He joined the Board of Directors in 2002. After a period in industry, he spent 25 years at the University of Exeter where he was the Head of the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Operational Research. He has many years experience teaching a range of programming languages within the University and to commercial organisations. He now designs database systems for local businesses. Keith was Chairman at Cosmic from 2006-2010 and enjoys working closely with fellow Board colleagues in overseeing the work of the company and moving things forward.