Our team

Martina Hanna joined OCPA NI in May 2006 and works directly to the Commissioneras her Policy Advisor. Prior to this, Martina spent a number of years with the Department for Social Development (DSD) as a Development Manager in Belfast Regeneration Office South and East team before moving to the DSD, Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.

David Best is the Commissioner's Auditor and Complaints Investigator. He was formerly a Fraud Investigating Officer in the Department of Health and Social Services and spent a number of years as a Welfare Officer before becoming Manager of the Staff Care Unit in the Social Security Agency. David joined OCPA NI in June 2008 from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety where he was Head of the Public Appointments Unit for three years.

Andrew Patterson is the OCPA NI Office Manger and is responsible for the day to day running of the Office.  He joined OCPA NI in August 2008 having previously worked in the Private Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers.  Prior to this Andrew was employed in the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment from 2000 to 2006.

Valerie Parkinson is a Senior Personal Secretary with the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister.  She joined the Department in 1998, as PS to the then Deputy First Minister’s Special Adviser.  During her Civil Service career she has worked for a number of Senior Civil Servants and is currently on loan to the Commissioner.

Denise Phillips provides administrative support to the Commissioner, the Policy Advisor and the Auditor. Joining the Civil Service in June 2001 she has been working in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Ministers’ Economic Policy Unit and Reinvestment and Reform Initiative Team. Denise moved to North Belfast Community Action Unit in November 2004 and joined OCPA NI in October 2006.