Fellows 2026-2027

Dearbhla Boyle

Strategy Director, Big+Bold

Dearbhla Boyle is Strategy Director at Big+Bold, a Belfast-based creative studio with a global client base, working across strategy, branding, advertising, and design. Dearbhla holds an LLB in Law and an MSc in Business Management from Queen’s University Belfast, alongside qualifications in Marketing and Project Management. Her multidisciplinary perspective informs work across the private, public, and charity sectors, helping organisations navigate complexity, challenge established ways of thinking, and translate ambition into strategic direction. Dearbhla’s work sits at the intersection of leadership and creativity, with a particular interest in building trust, influencing behaviour, and challenging siloed ways of working to create lasting, measurable impact for communities.

Martina Byrne

Chair, Clonduff Development Enterprise

Martina Byrne is a community leader and project manager with over fifteen years’ experience bringing people together to create positive change through community-led initiatives. As Chair of Clonduff Development Enterprise, Martina is leading the restoration of the former church in Hilltown into a vibrant community arts and heritage space. She also works at NICVA on InsightLink, a new cross-border programme supporting community organisations through collaboration, shared learning, and capacity building. Martina co-founded Hilltown’s The Gathering storytelling festival and Back from the Booley heritage festival. Outside work, she enjoys live music, set dancing, and pretending to love cold-water swimming.

Elaine Campbell

Director, Mencap NI

Elaine Campbell is Director of Mencap in Northern Ireland, supporting people with a learning disability to lead full and fulfilling lives. Before joining Mencap, Elaine held senior roles with Alzheimer’s Society, Barnardo’s, and the South-Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, leading innovative, award-winning programmes of service transformation, improvement, and development. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Birmingham and a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy from Indiana University. An experienced Trustee, she currently sits on the board of Advice NI. Elaine is passionate about creating connection, championing equity, sustaining impactful change, and finding glimmers of joy.

Phil Carson

Policy Director, SDLP

Phil Carson serves as the Director of Policy for the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in Northern Ireland, where he leads the development of the party’s strategic policy objectives. In this role, Phil oversees the development of a policy agenda aimed at addressing key economic and social challenges. He plays a central role in shaping the legislative priorities and research output for the SDLP’s Westminster and Assembly representatives.

Cllr Bethany Carson-Ferris

Deputy Mayor, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Bethany Carson-Ferris currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Bethany was elected to represent the Carrick Castle DEA in 2023 and has been active in local politics in a number of roles over the past fourteen years. She is a Public Affairs Manager for a leading veterans charity in the United Kingdom, specialising in public affairs and campaigns in Northern Ireland. Bethany is active in her community as a member of the boards of governors at two local schools and supports a range of projects across Northern Ireland, focusing on inclusion and Special Educational Needs.

Niall Downey

Managing Director, Framework Safety Group Ltd

Niall Downey qualified as a doctor from Trinity College, Dublin in 1993 and received his FRCSI in 1997. Niall was a trainee in cardio-thoracic surgery in both Dublin and Belfast and subsequently retrained as an airline pilot with Aer Lingus in 1999. He recently retired from Aer Lingus after twenty-seven years, having spent his final three years operating the Airbus A330 from their Manchester long-haul base. Niall now focuses on implementing an aviation Human Factors approach to industry through his company, Framework Safety Group Ltd. Niall published his first book, Oops! Why Things Go Wrong, in 2023.

Chris Flynn

Centre Director, The Junction Retail & Leisure Park

Chris Flynn is the Centre Director at The Junction Retail & Leisure Park in Antrim. Chris has been working at the scheme since November 2019. He is also Treasurer at Antrim Chamber and a Trustee for leading Belfast inclusive and accessible arts venue, The Black Box. Chris is passionate about supporting the arts, with The Junction hosting many singers, street artists, and even a drive-in pantomime over recent years. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling and running, with a 5 km race around Belfast Zoo his proudest achievement to date.

Dr Naomh Gallagher

Specialty Registrar in Public Health, Public Health Agency

Dr Naomh Gallagher is a Public Health Specialty Registrar with over a decade of experience in public health practice and epidemiology. Naomh’s current role spans all areas of public health, working with organisations including the UK Health Security Agency, the Department of Health, and the Institute of Public Health in Ireland. She holds a PhD and an MPH from Queen’s University Belfast and a BA (Hons) in Human Sciences from the University of Oxford. Naomh is a member of the UK Faculty of Public Health and has published extensively in epidemiology, vaccination, and health systems research. Naomh is a former Trustee of Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid.

Cllr Córa Groogan

Sinn Féin Councillor, Mid Ulster District Council

Córa Groogan from Ballinascreen was elected to Mid Ulster District Council in 2019 for the Carntogher DEA and has previously been Council Chair. Córa is a long-time Sinn Féin activist. She studied Modern History and Politics and has worked in various roles within Sinn Féin, advocating on welfare advice, housing, roads, and rights. Córa is passionate about her local community and is a member of An Ráth Dubh committee, Ballinascreen Community Forum, and Chair of Moneyneena in Bloom. A strong campaigner, Córa works to ensure a brighter future for everyone, which she believes can only be fully achieved with Irish unity.

Rebecca Harper

Campaigns and Membership Manager, SDLP

Rebecca Harper co-founded Melted Parents NI, a grassroots movement of over 20,000 parents that drove the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, which has saved parents over £25 million since its launch. Seeing grassroots campaigning deliver real change accidentally drew her into politics, and she now serves as Campaigns and Membership Manager at the SDLP. Rebecca has fourteen years of experience across the charity, voluntary, and political sectors. A mum of two girls, she is driven to build a Northern Ireland with real gender equality and an end to violence against women and girls.

Jonathan Herron

Research and Communications Officer, DUP

Jonathan Herron is a Research and Communications Officer for DUP Newry and Armagh MLA, Gareth Wilson. Originally from just outside Markethill, County Armagh, Jonathan studied Media Studies and later completed a Master’s in Journalism with Distinction at Ulster University. His career has spanned roles in journalism, communications, and audience engagement, including work with the BBC and local media. Since moving into politics in 2023, Jonathan has supported both Stephen Dunne MLA and Gareth Wilson MLA in research and communications roles. He is delighted to join the Fellowship Programme and looks forward to learning from and collaborating with leaders from across Northern Ireland.

Carol Jordan

Content Editor, UTV

Carol Jordan is an award-winning journalist with over two decades of experience across international, national, and regional broadcasting. Based in Belfast, Carol works at UTV where she produces original journalism for all platforms as well as hosting a positive news podcast. She’s been involved in projects such as the Camera in Courts and is contributing to a pilot involving media access to family courts. A former CNN Producer/Editor, Carol believes local media is a cornerstone of a democratic society and is interested in the areas of information governance and the protection of independent local journalism.

Dr Clare Kettle

Head of Strategy and Transformation, Queen's University Belfast

Dr Clare Kettle has built her career leading strategy, transformation, and organisational improvement across government, higher education, and multinational organisations. Clare is passionate about collaborative leadership, organisational performance, public service improvement, and bringing people together to solve complex challenges. She is Head of Strategy and Transformation at Queen’s University Belfast and was previously an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. Clare also founded and chaired TanzaniAID, a charity delivering education and infrastructure initiatives in Tanzania. She holds a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University Belfast and a Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Trinity College Dublin.

Séamas Mac Eochaidh

Education Manager, Gael Linn

Séamas Mac Eochaidh is Education Manager with Gael Linn. Séamas leads the organisation’s work in educational policy and manages Scoil Spreagtha, the largest initiative for the teaching of a second language at the primary level in NI. He is passionate about improving educational opportunities for all pupils through evidence-informed policy, stakeholder engagement, and educational innovation. Séamas believes that both education and language have a central role to play in creating a more reconciled society. Formerly an Irish-medium primary teacher, he has also published multiple books promoting independent reading through the medium of Irish.

Victoria Magreehan

Head of Advocacy and Communications, National Trust NI

Victoria Magreehan is the National Trust’s Head of Advocacy and Communications for Northern Ireland. As part of the charity’s country leadership team, Victoria works collaboratively to influence change and inspire more people to care for nature and heritage. With more than twenty years’ experience in the environment sector, she has worked on issues including nature recovery, climate adaptation, environmental governance, and coastal conservation. A board member of Northern Ireland Environment Link, Victoria also serves on Climate NI’s Steering Group. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from nature and green space, regardless of where they live.

Sinead McIldowney

District Commander, Derry City and Strabane

Growing up in West Belfast during a period of profound change inspired Sinead McIldowney’s lifelong commitment to public service and leadership. Sinead has spent more than two decades leading complex policing, organisational, and community challenges across Northern Ireland. An authentic, strategic, and values-driven leader, she is recognised for building trusted partnerships, leading organisational change, and strengthening public confidence. Passionate about bringing people together across organisational and community boundaries, Sinead is committed to helping Northern Ireland navigate complexity and build a stronger future. She believes leadership is about creating the conditions in which people with different experiences and perspectives can work together to deliver lasting, positive change for society.

Colm McKeown

Strategic Transformation Manager, NIE Networks

Colm McKeown is a Strategic Transformation Manager at NIE Networks, where he leads initiatives focused on resilience, innovation, and preparing communities and critical infrastructure for future challenges. Having spent nearly two decades in the electricity sector, Colm brings experience in engineering, operations, programme delivery, and strategic leadership. He is particularly interested in how collaboration, technology, and community engagement can help create more resilient and inclusive societies. Outside work, Colm enjoys cycling, running, and volunteering as a coach with his son’s football team, helping young people develop skills, confidence, and a strong sense of teamwork.

Cllr Ciarán McQuillan

Sinn Féin Councillor, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Ciarán McQuillan is a Sinn Féin Councillor representing the Ballymoney DEA and has served his local community for over four years. Originally from Dunloy, Ciarán has been actively involved in the GAA throughout his life, developing a strong commitment to community service, teamwork, and leadership. At just 22, he became the youngest Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, a role in which he championed local engagement and inclusion. Passionate about strengthening democracy, Ciarán is committed to encouraging more young people to participate in politics and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of their communities.

Glen Miller

Director, D A Miller & Sons Transport Ltd

Glen Miller is a business leader and community advocate from Claudy. With nearly two decades of senior management experience across transport, property, and distribution, Glen brings strong expertise in leadership, financial planning, and business development. Alongside his business career, he has a long record of voluntary service through the Boys’ Brigade and school governance, and now plays an active role in politics in East Londonderry for the UUP. Glen is committed to practical, positive leadership, strengthening local communities, and delivering clear, solution-focused representation for the people he serves.

Dr Frances Neilson

Policy Analyst (European Union and Northern Ireland), the House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee

Dr Frances Neilson is the dedicated Policy Analyst in the Secretariat that supports the Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee (NISC) in the House of Lords. The NISC has responsibility for considering matters relating to the implementation of the Windsor Framework on Ireland/Northern Ireland, including scrutiny of European and domestic legislation. Frances provides analysis and briefings to the Committee for its work. She has a background in public affairs, having worked in agencies in London and Belfast. Frances holds a PhD in Politics from Queen’s University Belfast and a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of St Andrews.

Bronagh Ramsden

Chief of Staff, Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery

Bronagh Ramsden is a senior public sector leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, transformation, and corporate leadership across Northern Ireland’s public services. Currently serving as Chief of Staff at the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, Bronagh provides strategic support while driving organisational effectiveness and governance. She has previously held senior roles within the Education Authority and Department for Communities, leading large-scale programmes, policy development, digital transformation, and service improvement initiatives. Bronagh holds an MBA from The Open University and combines legal, educational, and leadership expertise with a strong track record of delivering complex organisational change and public value.

Harriett Roberts

Director of Growth and Engagement, Simon Community

Harriett Roberts is Director of Growth and Engagement at the Simon Community, Northern Ireland’s largest homelessness organisation, where she leads fundraising, communications, and public affairs activity. With more than two decades of experience in the charity and NGO sector, Harriett has worked with a wide range of organisations across the UK and internationally. She is passionate about social justice and creating positive change for individuals and communities. Her career has included roles with Oxfam, ShelterBox, Alzheimer’s Society, and MAG (Mines Advisory Group). In 2025, Harriett was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim.

Phil Robinson

Chief Inspector, PSNI

Phil Robinson joined the Police Service of Northern Ireland in 2009 and has worked in a range of local policing roles and for a number of years as a Missing Person subject matter expert. Phil is currently the Chief Inspector for Operations in Belfast. Phil has participated in the design and implementation of a range of partnership protocols for policing involving a variety of statutory agencies, and has always sought to ensure human rights considerations are in the very centre of any decision-making.

Carly Rodgers

Monitoring Officer, Northern Ireland Alternatives

Carly Rodgers is a restorative justice practitioner with Northern Ireland Alternatives. Carly has fifteen years of experience in delivering community-based interventions that foster inclusion, accountability, and positive change. She holds a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Practices from Ulster University. Passionate about restorative approaches, Carly is committed to building positive relationships, repairing harm, and strengthening communities through effective programme delivery and evaluation.

Cllr Richard Smart

UUP Councillor, Ards and North Down Borough Council

Richard Smart is a dedicated public servant with more than fifteen years of experience in politics and local government. Richard has served as a Councillor for Newtownards since 2014 and was honoured to serve as Mayor of Ards and North Down in 2018–2019. Alongside his council role, Richard has worked extensively within the Northern Ireland Assembly, including as a Researcher and Constituency Manager. He is passionate about community development, regeneration, and preserving local heritage, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for the people he represents.

Ren Thompson

Policy and Research Officer, Alliance Party

Ren Thompson is the Policy and Research Officer for Peter McReynolds MLA, where she is involved in developing policy and supporting constituency work. Prior to this, Ren worked for the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission within the Youth Assembly Team, where she supported young people to have their voices heard within local politics. She recently completed a Master’s in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice. Ren’s passion for peacebuilding led her to volunteer with Belfast YMCA, serve as a member of the Shared Island Youth Forum, and advocate for integrated education.

Daniel Toft

Policy Officer, Ulster Farmers’ Union

Daniel Toft is a policy, communications and operations professional with experience across the parliamentary, academic, and charitable sectors. Daniel works as a Policy Officer at the Ulster Farmers’ Union, where he represents the interests of farm families in legislative and policy discussions and develops member-led policy positions. He also serves as Chief of Staff at Friends of the British Overseas Territories, overseeing strategic operations, stakeholder engagement, and key projects. Daniel holds a BA in Politics from Queen’s University Belfast and an MSc in Political Science, specialising in Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics, from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Adam Watters

Project Support Worker, Northern Ireland Alternatives

Adam Watters grew up in the Greater Shankill area and recently graduated with a Law degree from Ulster University. Adam has always been passionate about giving back to his community and helping others. After graduating, he spent two months in Washington, DC, with the Washington Ireland Program, an experience that broadened his perspective, strengthened his personal development, and connected him with people from across the island of Ireland. Adam now works for Northern Ireland Alternatives. In his spare time, he enjoys keeping fit, watching films, and exploring his interest in art.