York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority leadership team
James Farrar – Chief Executive
James is the founding Chief Operating Officer of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP has now been integrated into the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA). During his time as LEP Chief Operating Officer, James built the team and oversaw an investment portfolio of over £200 million into the region.
Previous to his role in the LEP, James was at Yorkshire Forward, where he led its response to the recession with a focus on business support and access to finance. Committed to collaborative working, James recognises the importance of a strong public private partnership and is committed to ensuring stakeholders across the region work together to deliver for our communities.
James was appointed as Chief Executive in June 2024.
Rachel Antonelli – Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer
Rachel has over 25 years public sector experience, working within a variety of roles including Senior Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer within a local government legal department, Force Solicitor for two police forces and Head of Function for the democratic governance service of a local authority. Prior to joining the Combined Authority, Rachel worked as a Specialist Legal Consultant for the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, working with the Transition Team in readiness for their move into the Combined Authority in May 2024.
The role is statutorily responsible for reporting to the Combined Authority on any illegality or maladministration. Rachel values the importance of strong governance to ensure the Combined Authority will operate in a safe and legal manner upon its creation.
Simon Dennis – Corporate Director, OPFCC
Simon Dennis is the Corporate Director of the OPFCC, and Combined Authority Deputy Monitoring Officer for Mayoral Policing Fire and Crime functions.
Simon is a Solicitor with over 20 years of ‘blue light’ legal and regulatory experience. He has served in the roles of PCC Chief Executive & Monitoring Officer in both Cleveland and North Yorkshire and has been involved in the design and implementation of the ‘single elected individual’ model for police and fire governance, since its inception in 2011.
The Corporate Director works with senior leaders to ensure delivery of the Mayor’s policing, fire and crime vision, strategy and priorities and ensures rigorous scrutiny of operational activities.
Nationally, Simon is a member of the Executive of the Association of Policing & Crime Chief Executives.