Staff Members
CEO
Ian Jeffers
Our Directors
Sara McKerr
Director of Corporate Services & Company SecretarySara has been working as a Chartered Accountant in the public sector for over 30 years and moved to Co-operation Ireland in September 2023.
Sara graduated from Queens University Belfast with a degree in Pure Maths and Computer Science before choosing a career in accounting.
Sara is responsible for Facilities, IT, HR, Finance and Payroll.
Paul Boylan
Director of Programmes and Strategic DevelopmentPaul 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.
Terry O’Neill
Director of FundraisingTerry works as fundraising director for the charity raising approximately one-third of Co-operation Ireland funds through a number of strategic approaches.
- Corporate Events in Ireland, London and USA, which seek support from companies through the organisation of dinners (both public and private), and high profile golf classics.
- Sporting challenges such as mass participation bike rides, charity runs and unique family fun events.
- An Ambassador’s programme, which has been developed to enable wealthy individuals and corporates to directly fund and support youth leadership through the provision of finance, work experience and mentorships.
Terry graduated as a Civil Engineer although his career has been mainly involved in bridge building at the community level rather than on the roads. He also graduated in Management Studies from the Open University.
A keen sportsman, Terry has used sport to recruit teams to raise monies for Co-operation Ireland, through participation in many of the world’s leading marathons including New York and London, and marathon bike rides at home and overseas to five separate continents.
Team Leaders
Corinna Crooks
Youth TeamCorinna 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 Dunbar
Cross Island TeamCarol 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.
Our Dedicated Staff
Niamh Hughes
Finance AdminstratorDuring her time with Co-operation Ireland, Niamh has gained extensive experience in the financial administration of programmes delivered by the organisation.
In her current role Niamh manages the financial budgets, claims, invoicing, monitoring and reporting of the organisation’s various projects, co-ordinating and working with a number of Government Departments and Councils.
She is also part-responsible for the design and management of systems used within the organisation to collect and record the financial/monitoring information of funded programmes.
Niamh has several qualifications in administration including CLAIT, ECDL, Sage and Excel.
However, her experience and work has given Niamh a thorough understanding of the monitoring and evaluation information required by funders and is therefore skilled at collating the necessary data needed for reporting purposes.
Justyna Pantol
Payroll and Accounts AssistantJustyna 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 Kennedy
Programme ManagerEmma 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.
Maurice Inglis
Co-ordinator, Pride of Place CompetitionMaurice is the Co-ordinator for the Co-operation Ireland Pride of Palce Competition, (which recently change its name to IPB Pride of Place Competition, in association with Co-operation Ireland) since it began in 2003.
This all-island competition for community groups regularly draws up to 100 entries from groups based in all 32 counties on the island and Co-operation Ireland provides the secretariat for entire competition.
Maurice’s role is to manage the marketing of the competition, oversee the judging of the entries and co-ordinate the delivery of the annual gala event, where all the winners are announced.
Maurice holds a Diploma in Business Studies and prior to working in Co-operation Ireland, he worked for the ESB.
Sharon McGrath
Project ManagerSharon 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 O’Caoindealbhain
Research and Evaluation OfficerBrian 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
Project ManagerPaula 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 Lyttle
Project ManagerEmer 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 Lucey
Regional Development OfficerMargaret 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.
Dr Alan Largey
Innovation OfficerAlan Largey was born in Belfast, educated at Belfast Royal Academy and Queens University, The Ulster Polytechnic at Jordanstown and the University of Ulster. He holds a BSC (Hons) in Psychology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science Education, a MSc and a PhD.
Alan spent nearly 30 years in education on the Shankill Road and during that time his interest in computers and information technology in the teaching environment developed.
After a spell as Director of an eLearning Company he joined Co-operation Ireland where he works on a variety of projects but still retains that interest in multimedia and eLearning.
Patricia Hughes
Project ManagerPatricia 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 Brennan
Events and Fundraising OfficerJanet 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 Fadden
Finance OfficerGerilyn’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 Gamble
Programme ManagerMatt 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 Millar
Project ManagerMichelle 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.
Ireland Twiggs
Programme ManagerOriginally 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 Scott
Programme Officer, Pride of PlaceHazel 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.
Sophia Devlin
Head of Technology and InnovationKatrina McIlmail
Ambassador Engagement OfficerKatrina joined Cooperation Ireland in 2021 as a Design & Development Officer on the Our Generation Project – a large scale cross border project aimed at improving Mental Health & resilience of children young people and their key contacts through Peacebuilding. She worked in Urban village areas of Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and the border counties creating bespoke programmes for marginalised groups.
She is currently Ambassador Engagement & Communications Officer on our Future Leaders programme where she works closely with Corporate Sponsors. She holds a CMI Level 5 in Management & Leadership
Katrina previously worked in Mental Health for several years supporting adults and more recently children and young people. She is a Mindfulness Practitioner, Laughter Yoga Therapist, WRAP facilitator and is passionate about helping young people to find their inner peace and self confidence. She has recently completed studies allowing her to teach Mindfulness & Meditation to children and young people who have experienced Trauma
In her spare time Katrina enjoys going to the gym, yoga, a bit of shopping, and getting out in nature.