Ann graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Social Policy and Administration, and after jobs in research and in welfare advice, began a career in housing associations in 1985. She became a member of the Chartered institute of Housing in 1988. She has worked in associations in the Welsh Valleys, Swansea, and Cardiff. She was chief executive of Oxbode Housing Association in Gloucester, before moving to Westlea in March 2004 and becoming Managing Director in April 2008.