The SSA UK team is made up of 6 members of staff led by the current CEO, Rennie Schafer.
Please click on an image below for further information on each member of our team.
Rennie Schafer
Rennie is the current CEO of the Self Storage Association UK, having previously been the CEO of the Australasian Self Storage Association for over 9 years. Rennie has extensive knowledge of the self storage industry across the world, from the developing Asian markets through to the birthplace of self storage in the USA. He has over 22 years of association management experience, 17 at CEO level. Rennie is also on the Board of the Institute of Association Leadership, has an MBA and completed the Oxford University High performance leadership programme.
Helen Bourke
Helen is Operations Director at the Self Storage Association, taking up post in March 2019. Previously, Helen was Director of Membership Services at the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, a not-for-profit, national membership organisation where she spent 8 years working across membership, communications and events. Prior to this, Helen spent 12 additional years in the education, learning and training sector and a number of years working within the corporate sector.
Bryony Pearson
Bryony is the Administration Officer at the Self Storage Association UK, and joined in April 2014 as the Membership Services Officer, before transferring into her current role in March 2019. After graduating from the University of Chester with a degree in Mathematics, Bryony worked for the Cheshire Building Society (part of the Nationwide Building Society) and Marks and Spencer before joining the Association.
Hayley Wood
Hayley joined the team in Dec 2021, initially to cover maternity leave, but has now taken on the role of accounts management. She has extensive administration and accounts experience in a range of industries including construction and education.
Stephen Ramage
Stephen joined the SSA UK in July 2021 as a Membership Services Officer. His main focus is on membership growth and with an impressive background in sales and customer service, he not only brings a wealth of experience to the team, but his enthusiasm, creativity and customer care skills are invaluable to the Association.
Rachel James
Rachel has extensive experience working for professional and industry associations. This includes 15 years at a professional society for barristers and judges where her role involved advising, organising education and training and qualifications. Her experience also includes client liaison and event organising at the Brand Council, a membership association for business, consumer and cool brands. Rachel is also familiar with sustainability practices having spent time working in the South American rainforests and for wildlife trusts.