Pearse O’Shiel is the chairperson of the CHI Board. He is a Ph.D. researcher and lecturer in the philosophy of education. He was raised in a home built by the New Homes Housing Co-operative in Dublin. Pearse lives in Co. Clare and is married with three adult children.

Cinnamon Blackmore is the chairperson of the Slaney Valley Co-operative. She came to social activism to campaign for support and services for parents of special needs children, affordable housing and increased mental health services for young people in Wexford. She lives in Gorey and is a full-time carer to her son.

Ken lives in Dublin and has over 25 years experience leading financial services businesses. He holds board positions in regulated firms in Ireland and the UK and was previously CEO of AIB Mortgage Bank and Head of AIB Business Banking. He runs a successful strategic advisory business and has extensive property, commercial and risk skills. Ken is a Certified Director and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Trinity College.

Regina works full time in manufacturing and has held positions as Training Instructor, Health and Safety Co-ordinator and is currently Production Supervisor and Planner. Regina lives in a Co-operative Housing scheme in Graiguecullen, Co. Laois.

Enda Egan is a serving civil servant since 1983. He has been volunteering for many years with the Richard Pampuri Social Club which is a social club for young adults with learning disabilities and special needs.

From 2017 to 2022, Michael Heaney served as CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, the state agency with responsibility for economic, social and cultural development in Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Prior to this, he was Director of Planning, Economic Development, Community and Cultural Services with Donegal County Council. He also served as Chief Executive of the Donegal County Development Board. He has worked in other roles within the state, local development, community development and development education sectors. Micheal is a Board Member of the Irish College Leuven, of Asia Matters and of Donegal Tourism. At present, he is Vice-President of the AER (Assembly of European Regions).

Frances Kawala, although now retired, uses her arts background to find creative ways to encourage community involvement working with several local organisations to promote the needs of seniors, including their housing needs. She lives in a CHI home in Birr, Co. Offaly.

Derek Maher is the Chairman of Downview Residents’ Association and is currently Chairman of the Co-operative Housing Ireland Munster Co-operative. He is married with four children and two grandchildren.

Gerry is a Chartered Accountant and experienced Finance professional having spent his early career working with PwC and subsequently spent 28 years with Musgrave Group in senior finance leadership positions before retiring in 2021. He has extensive experience in financial risk management, Corporate Governance and regulatory compliance. Gerry is a director of Douglas Credit Union, a not-for-profit regulated financial institution and lives in Cork with his family.

Eugene has over 40 years experience in the financial services industry and has held senior positions in Ulster Bank Group and The National Asset Management Agency. He is a Fellow of The Institute of Bankers in Ireland and holds The Diploma in Company Direction from The Institute of Directors in Ireland. Eugene lives in Dublin and is married with three adult children

Nuala grew up in Bray, Co. Wicklow, and is the mother of one son. She works as anurse, and previously owned and ran a creche in Leopardstown. Her son has special needs and she actively engages in courses to support his care. Nuala describes herself as a ‘people person’, with a lot to offer and to learn. She loves putting her knowledge to good use in the community and getting things done.