Staff Members

Paul Boylan is the Director of Programmes and Strategic Development at Co-operation Ireland since early 2023, he has a background working with and for Government. With over 22 years of experience, including 11 years at the Special EU Programmes Body.

Paul has contributed significantly to policy formulation and cross-border EU funding delivery. In his last role in Scotland he was the Private Secretary to Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and among other roles was also involved in the establishment of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Paul has been the Chair of the Northern Ireland BBC Children in Need Committee since 2018. Paul enjoys time with family, podcasts, books and trying to keep fit.

Corinna is the lead for Co-operation Ireland’s youth delivery, joining the charity in 2010 after working in the education sector.

Since then, she has steered a range of youth and education programmes at Co-operation Ireland.

Corinna is excited to take forward Co-operation Ireland’s youth provision in the coming years.  Backed and inspired by a great team, her focus is firmly on delivering quality youth programmes that make a real positive impact for young people and communities.

Outside of work, Corinna enjoys spending time with the family, a good novel or crime drama and obsessing over her cat.

Carol is the Priority Team Leader for the Cross-Island Team at Co-operation Ireland. She leads and manages a team of nine staff members, including project managers, officers and co-ordinators, who are engaged in the development and delivery of cross-community and cross-island projects in line with Co-operation Ireland’s strategic priorities.

Carol is also responsible for the growth and development of the team through new project development and through a pro-active approach to relationship building with key external stakeholders including both statutory and non-statutory bodies.

Niamh is a Finance Administrator currently working on the IFA/DCMS Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund.  Joining the charity in 1997 Niamh has gained extensive experience in the financial administration of programmes delivered by the organisation, having worked with various funders and government departments over the years.

This experience includes managing financial budgets, claims, procurement, invoicing, minutes, monitoring, and reporting.  Niamh has several qualifications in administration including CLAIT, ECDL, Sage and Excel.  She has also been part-responsible for the design and management of systems used within the organisation and delivered a number of staff training sessions in finance and procurement.

Justyna has been working in the Accounts Department of Co-operation Ireland since November 2007.

Her main duties are monthly payroll for Belfast and Dublin offices and she is involved in the day to day keeping of all books of accounts records, preparation of monthly financial statements of income/ expenditure and preparation of Annual Statutory Accounts. Since 2013 she has also taken on responsibility for managing the Company Secretary duties.

Justyna graduated from the University of Szczecin with a Masters degree in Chemistry and since moving to Dublin has completed a FCE English Certificate from the University of Cambridge.

She also obtained a FETAC certificate in Manual and Computerised Accounts/Payroll Course and in 2011 completed CIPD Diploma in Human Resource Management.  In September 2020, Justyna will qualify with Ipass Certificate in Payroll Techniques QQI level 6.

Emma is Project Manager for our All-Island Women’s Leadership Programme, joining the charity in 2013 after working for several years in the Financial Services sector.  Since jointing the charity Emma has worked in several different roles and programmes across the organisation.

Emma was recently appointed to this role of project manager and is keen to further develop the programme and continue its growth in the coming years.  Outside of work Emma enjoys her early morning fitness classes and spending time with her family and family pet Nala.

Sharon has many years experience working as a Project Grants Officer and has been responsible for assessing, developing and monitoring a range of cross-border and cross-community projects.

She manages the financial budgets, procurement, claims, monitoring and reporting of various funded projects, co-ordinating and working with a number of Government Departments.

Sharon gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Edinburgh and has completed a range of financial and grant monitoring training courses.

She has also been asked to sit on the steering committee of a range of cross-border projects providing funding and monitoring advice.

Brian works as a Research and Evaluation Officer within Co-operation Ireland. The main focus of his role is demonstrating the impact of Co-operation Ireland’s programmes to funders and stakeholders. He designs and carries out evaluations of flagship projects and coordinates monitoring and evaluation activities across the organisation. He also supports the design and piloting of new initiatives and documents lessons learned from our work for dissemination internally and externally.

Brian’s role also involves carrying out research to support programme and policy work, including standalone research projects. He supports strategic planning in the organisation and coordinates the production of annual performance and impact reports.

Previously, he worked as a Research Assistant with the Institute for British-Irish Studies at University College Dublin.

Brian holds a MA in Politics from UCD and a Postgrad Diploma in Social Research Skills from the University of Ulster.

Paula Madigan is experienced in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and programmes within Co-operation Ireland.

Currently managing the All-Island Local Authority Programme and driving the Forum’s vision of strong working relationships between Chief Executives/Local Authorities in NI and ROI delivering outcomes for communities/places; ensuring the forum’s strategic initiatives align with the needs of all local authorities on the island.

The project aims to enhance shared understanding and best practice among local authorities by developing a comprehensive strategic plan built around Leadership, Climate Action & Mitigation, Town Centre Regeneration & Regenerative Tourism.

Emer oversees the work of a cross community networking programme for groups to share knowledge and experience in Community Development Practices. She has worked across several EU programmes, was seconded to the Community Relations Council for 3.5 years as Senior Development Officer.

Emer gained a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from Glasgow Caledonian University, a certificate in public sector training from the Institute of Leadership and Management, has completed a range of CIPFA financial and grant monitoring training and Queens University courses.

In a voluntary capacity, Emer sits on a Board of Governors, Parish Finance Committee, Primary School PTA and is a member of Parenting NI’s Strategic Focus Group.  She has secured funding for both the family business and groups she volunteers with.

Margaret is Regional Development Officer for the Munster Region, and Programme Co-ordinator specifically within the education and youth sector.

As Regional Development Officer she promotes the work of Co-operation Ireland within the region, supports the development and implementation of programme activity on a regional basis with a cross border focus, and  develops local networks with suitable partners to influence decision makers and stakeholders in supporting Co-operation Ireland’s Strategy on a regional basis.

Margaret has a Masters in Education from University College Cork, a Higher Diploma in Education University College Cork and a B. A. in Economics and Computer Studies, University College Cork.

Patricia manages the Cross-Border Circle of Learning Project a networking project which develops capacity in groups from border areas; it builds relationships and creates a network of contacts for grassroots groups and community leaders. Experienced hubs mentor lower capacity groups helping to deliver bespoke training to them and facilitating networking.

Patricia has many years experience of working in the community and voluntary sector. She is skilled in grant giving and assessment; project development and management; and writing and submitting funding applications.

Janet works in the Events and Fundraising Department and is responsible for the organisation, administration and promotion of many of Co-operation Ireland’s major corporate events and sporting challenges.

Janet helps deliver corporate and private Dinners and Golf Classics and also links the charity core programmes to its private Future Leaders Ambassadors.

In her spare time, Janet enjoys swimming and travelling.  She also loves animals and is passionate about animal welfare.

Gerilyn’s role within the Finance Department includes recording of all income and expenditure for Co-operation Ireland’s offices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and it’s event company.

She has responsibility for the preparation of monthly financial reports, audit reports, forecasting expenditure and the monitoring of cash flow.

Gerilyn is involved in the preparation of budgets and financial reports for external funding agencies, including the European Union and the UK and Irish Governments.

She oversees the organisation’s staff payroll system as well as authourising payments for third party suppliers.

Prior to joining Co-operation Ireland Gerilyn worked in Securikey based in Hampshire.

Matt joined Co-operation Ireland in 2019 and works across two Youth and Education programmes – Amazing the Space and Entwined Futures. Both programmes bring students from different backgrounds together to work alongside each other, exploring the complexities and competing narratives of the past.

Having graduated from Queens University Belfast in Archaeology and Ancient History, Matt began his career as a tour guide and archivist in a local museum before turning his attention to teaching. The experience of working as a History teacher in school has enhanced his current role in motivating students to work together and make positive friendships.

In his spare time Matt enjoys history and sport. If he’s not talking to you about the First World War, he’ll be giving you a rundown of the weekend’s rugby matches.

Michelle manages the Open Doors project.  She has over 30 years experience working in the voluntary/community sector in a management capacity.

Michelle holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Community Development and a Masters in International Human Rights Law from the Ulster University. She also holds an ILM in Leadership & Management Workplace Coaching & Mentoring and is a CPD Approved Trainer.

Before joining Co-operation Ireland Michelle worked in the field of Community Education and Human Rights where she was instrumental in designing and delivering human rights, disability equality and mental health training to the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Originally from NYC, Ireland Twiggs moved to Belfast two years ago for her MA at Queens University. With a background in democracy and social justice, she currently serves as the Project Coordinator for the Voice Matters Program.

Through this initiative, Ireland orchestrates a deliberative democratic process, randomly selecting citizens to collaboratively address community issues in Derry/Londonderry.

The proposed solutions are presented to decision-makers and statutory bodies, showcasing a commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and implementing positive change in communities.

Hazel is the Programme Officer for Pride of Place, an all-island local government project within the Cross-Island team.

Pride of Place is one of Co-operation Ireland’s longest running projects and in her role Hazel is responsible for the development and delivery of the programme which culminates in a large-scale gala dinner and community awards event at the end of each year.

Hazel’s role includes the implementation of efficient administrative systems as well as IT and event management support to ensure successful delivery of Pride of Place each year. Hazel also has responsibility for the development and maintenance of effective financial and monitoring records as required by Co-operation Ireland.

Morgan has worked on numerous all-island initiatives during her time at Co-operation Ireland, including programmes focusing on youth engagement and community development. She is currently supporting the All-Island Local Authority Forum, assisting in the facilitation of dialogue, policy development, and knowledge-sharing among local authorities across the island.

Morgan brings experience from her previous work in the U.S., where she led civic and community engagement initiatives and is a graduate of James Madison University in Virginia.