Our People

Paul Boylan
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Paul Boylan is the Director of Programmes and Strategic Development.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.

John Ryan McLaughlin
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATIONS

John Ryan McLaughlin is the Director of Fundraising and Communications. With 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, 22 of these in senior leadership roles. He has a demonstrable track record of building sustainable, donor-centred income generation programmes.

Throughout his career, he has championed strategic, audience-focused communications that clearly demonstrate impact and foster empathy, helping deepen engagement with supporters and partners. John Ryan is an experienced Trustee and Chair. Although he says fundraising is also his hobby, his loves are painting, running, and music.

Sir Julian King is a British diplomat who has served in senior international and governmental roles, including as UK Ambassador to Ireland and EU Commissioner for Security Union. He has had a longstanding career across foreign affairs and public service.

Charlie Flanagan is an Irish politician who has held several ministerial posts, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has served in the Dáil Éireann for many years across multiple administrations.

Lorraine Nelson is Partner and Head of Tax at BDO Northern Ireland, specialising in tax advisory and professional services. She has extensive experience supporting clients across a range of sectors.

Pat Farrell's career spans senior leadership positions in real estate, banking, healthcare, and public affairs practice. He currently  provides strategic advisory counsel to a portfolio of businesses and professional firms and serves as a non executive director. 

Sinead McSweeney is the former Vice President for Global Public Policy & Philanthropy at Twitter. She has an extensive background in communications, security, and public affairs, including previous roles in policing and government.

Sean Gaffey is Chairman of Co-operation Ireland USA and co-founder of the Gaffey Mellody Savoie Group at Merrill Lynch. Based in New York, Sean advises families, entrepreneurs and private equity principals on wealth management, legacy planning and philanthropy.

Feargal McCormack is Partner and Head of Family Business at AAB Group and a prominent figure in the accountancy profession. He has worked with family-owned and SME businesses throughout his career.

Arlene Foster is a Member of the House of Lords and former First Minister of Northern Ireland. She previously served in several ministerial positions within the Northern Ireland Executive.

Theresa Donaldson is Chair of the Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners and has held senior executive roles in local government. Her career spans organisational leadership, governance, and public sector management.

Sir George Hamilton served as Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. His policing career spans several decades across community safety, operational leadership, and organisational change.

Sheila McClelland is the former Chairperson of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. She has held senior posts across public service, regulation, and organisational leadership.

Sir Malcolm McKibbin is the former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. His career includes decades of work in governance, public administration, and economic policy roles.