About Us - Staff

Michael, as Chief Executive Officer, has overall responsibility for the strategic and operational performance of Rural Community Network and has led the organisation through the development of the current strategic plan 2007-2013.  He consistently engages with a range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations highlighting the assets of rural communities, the inequalities that currently exist and how local people must be allowed play an important part in the future sustainability of their community.
 
Michael’s current work is focusing on the strategic development of a rural community development networking infrastructure, which is relevant to local rural communities, and the future support to this infrastructure from both central and local government. As a member of various European Programme Monitoring Committees, Michael is a strong advocate of A Shared Future and the promotion of an equality agenda.  In developing a highly skilled staff team, Michael believes that the key to this has been creating a work environment where each staff member is able to realise their potential for the benefit not only of the organisation, but more importantly for those most vulnerable within rural communities.
 
Michael joined Rural Community Network in 1996 as Project Assessment Officer with the Peace & Reconciliation Programme. He has also held positions of Programmes Co-ordinator for Peace II and the Rural Community Estates Programme before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Michael holds a BSc Degree in Economics, Business Studies and Social Studies from Queen's University.

Jan is Rural Community Network’s Finance & Human Resources Manager and has overall responsibility for ensuring good governance in relation to financial management, internal policy development and employment practice.  Jan worked in this role from November 2001 to May 2005 and returned to RCN in May 2008.
 
She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Charity Finance, a Master’s Degree in Social and Community Work Studies and is a qualified Social Worker.

Kathryn graduated from the University of Ulster in Education and Maths and worked in Belfast and London before returning to Northern Ireland in 1992 to take up a post in Rural Community Network.
 
Kathryn has worked in many roles within the organisation - her current role is that of Finance Officer & IT Officer with responsibility for the day to day finances and financial procedures of the Network including payroll and pensions. Kathryn also assists with the organisation of Board meetings and oversees the organisation’s biennial elections. Kathryn is also responsible for maintaining the Network’s IT system and the website. She is a line manager and a member of the Corporate Management Team.

Linda joined Rural Community Network in 1995 and has worked for various programmes within the organisation. In conjunction with the Corporate Management Team, she is responsible for the development and implementation of an effective corporate communications strategy.
 
Linda’s key duties include promoting the work of RCN externally through publications, the website and other communication tools as well as developing and maintaining media relationships. Event management is key to her role as is ensuring that the organisation is promoted in accordance with all communication policies.
 
Linda holds a BA Hons in Business Studies, an Advanced Diploma from the Institute of Administrative Management and a Post Graduate Certificate in Communication. She is currently studying for a postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations, Communications and Advertising.

Aidan took up the post of Policy and Public Affairs Officer recently although has been with RCN since 2007 as Community Development Officer (Learning and Skills).  He has responsibility for developing, managing and co-ordinating RCN’s work on policy and research, advocating for sustainable change through enhanced governance and rural policy agendas contributing to RCN’s role as an effective voice for rural communities.

Aidan is from Derrytresk in East Tyrone and grew up on a small farm. A one time builder’s labourer, farm labourer, welder’s mate and delivery van driver, he graduated from Queen's University with a BA in Economic and Social History. He then continued his studies at NUI Maynooth where he undertook the Higher Diploma in Community Development. Aidan was previously employed as a community development worker with Lenadoon Community Forum in Belfast.
 

Fergal O’Donnell joined RCN in November 2010 as Community Development Officer, with responsibility for learning, skills and education.  He has a BSc Hons in Management from Queen’s University of Belfast with a Postgraduate Diploma in Youth & Community Work from University of Ulster.

Fergal has a wealth of experience within the sector and has worked closely with rural communities in his earlier work with YouthAction NI and more recently with Omagh District Council.  He was also seconded to manage and lecture on a cross border pre vocational certificate in Community Youth Work at Dundalk Institute of Technology, alongside acting as a mentor and assessor for young adults completing a youth work apprenticeship scheme focused on developing rural youth work practice throughout Fermanagh and Monaghan.     

Seamus has recently taken up the post of Development Officer on the ‘Skills for Solutions’ Programme which aims to empower the voice of older people in rural communities by developing their advocacy skills.

Seamus completed a BSC Hons in Geography at University of Ulster Coleraine, the Premier Graduate Management Training Programme and a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Community Development at Queen’s University Belfast. Prior to taking up this post at RCN he worked in industry as an Operations Manager and as Project Co-ordinator for the An Tearmann Project, a Traveller support organisation. Here he managed a number of community development services and research projects  with additional responsibility for  advocacy  lobbying, rights based work and cultural awareness training. He comes from Derrylaughan on the shores of Lough Neagh and also plays Bass guitar in a number of bands.

Caroline has recently taken up the post of Rural Older People’s Co-ordinator on the ‘Skills for Solutions’ Programme which aims to empower the voice of older people in rural communities through developing skills to engage more effectively in policy making and building civic leadership through identifying solutions to rural transport challenges.
 
Over the coming months, the main objectives of Caroline’s work will be to engage and consult with older people living in rural areas and find out what the issues are for them in terms of transport and to begin to look at ways in which Rural Community Network can work together with older people to affect positive change in their communities. An important task will also be to begin to develop interest about this programme with several government departments which have responsibility for older people.
 
Caroline has worked with Rural Community Network since 2001, firstly as a Peace II Assessment Officer and then as a Community Development Officer on a capacity building and peace building programme. She has a BSc in European Regional Development from the University of Ulster and an MSc in Rural Development from Queen’s University Belfast.

Charmain Jones joined RCN in December 2010 as the Community Development Officer for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration. Charmain’s role involves co-ordinating, designing, implementing and disseminating rural community development support initiatives to address social need, social exclusion, social cohesion and community capacity in rural communities at a regional level    She has varied experience in the voluntary sector since 2000, in a paid and voluntary capacity, very much at a grass roots level, as Project Co-ordinator for the PLACE Initiatives, Youth Leader in Charge of Goal Line Youth Centre, Community Development Officer for Carleton Street Community Development Association and more recently as Co-ordinator for REACT in Armagh City.
 
She is a graduate from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown with a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Studies and a Masters Degree in Marketing Management. She also has a Diploma in Conflict Management and Politics from Queen’s University and has recently qualified from Queen’s University with a Certificate in Management Practice. She has undertaken other pieces of training and certified courses in History and Culture, Community Capacity Building, Good Relations, Civic Leadership and Community Leadership.
 
 
 
 

Amanda has recently joined RCN taking up the post of Digital Outreach Officer.  In this role Amanda is responsible for delivering an outreach programme to promote awareness of the digital switchover among excluded groups. These groups include those with physical, sensory, learning and mental health barriers, socially excluded or isolated groups and those with literacy communication or income barriers.

Amanda has worked in the Voluntary sector since 2005 in various management and training coordination posts.  She has a BA Hons in Business Studies, an MSc in Computing and Information Systems and numerous qualifications in training, coaching and well being practices.   

Ali McAllister joined Rural Community Network in January 2010 as Regional Co-ordinator of the Peace III funded, Rural Enabler project. This project aims to enable rural communities to deal with conflict impacts and modern day racism, through a facilitated and supported local community development approach.
 
Prior to this appointment, Ali was employed by the Community Relations Council as Policy Officer where much of her work was focused on practice to policy interventions.She has also worked on the Creating Common Ground programme, with the Family Caring Centre in Antrim and has been a volunteer with Women's Aid and a part time tutor with the Workers’ Educational Association. Ali holds a BSc (Hons) in Community Development and various other facilitation, counselling and management qualifications.

To contact Ali phone 028 8676 6670.

Fintan McCabe joined Rural Community Network in June 2010 as Assistant Project Co-ordinator of the Peace III funded, Rural Enabler Project. Fintan has responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and practice to policy learning of the Rural Enabler Project in the Border Counties of Ireland.
 
He brings a wealth of hands on experience in planning, designing, researching and managing initiatives and programmes. He has practical experience of organisational governance requirements, not only from a theoretical viewpoint, but also from a day-to-day functional programme management perspective. He holds a number of directorships with local and regional organisations, with membership of various sectoral representative bodies. He has worked for Government and NGO organisations on projects as well as commissioned research for the National University of Ireland Maynooth.
 
Fintan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education and BSc in Rural Development from the National University of Ireland Maynooth as well as other qualifications in facilitation and training.

To contact Fintan call 00353 4943 36995 or 00353 8777 67640.

Orla took up the post of Rural Enabler for County Antrim in June and is based in the North Antrim Community Network office, Cushendall. Her role involves assisting rural communities to develop ways to deal with the issues that still divide us in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland.
 
Orla has worked in community development for many years, both in a paid and voluntary capacity. She previously worked for COLLAGE, Garvagh and Cushendall Development Group on various projects. These included the Causeway Speciality Market, the Heart of the Glens Festival and Green Glens Recycling Ltd.

She has also worked as Constituency Manager and Assistant for Declan O’Loan MLA. Orla is a member of Moyle District Council, Moyle District Policing Partnership and the Rural Development Programme North East Cluster Local Action Group.

She holds a BSc in European Regional Development from the University of Ulster, Coleraine and a Diploma in Community Development Practice from the Rural College, Draperstown and NUI Galway.

To contact Orla phone 07738 449699.

Neville joined the Rural Enabler team in August and is the Fermanagh Rural Enabler. He has a wide and varied employment history ranging from teaching to Local Government with much experience working within the community and voluntary sector.  Neville maintains a keen interest in Criminal Justice, Rural Childcare and the value of social enterprise in the rural environment. He has an MSc in Rural Development from Queen’s University as well as a BA (Hons) in History from the same institution.  He holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Practice from the University of Ulster, is a Fellow of the Rural Society of Arts and holds various qualifications in group facilitation and conflict resolution.
 
To contact Neville phone 07738 449691.

Kate holds the post of Rural Enabler (Institutions) within the Rural Enabler Programme and will be working with the Orange Order, the GAA, Churches and others to address issues of sectarianism and racism.

Kate is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, with a BSc in Agricultural Economics and Management and an MSc in Rural Development. She has a strong background in creative thinking techniques, facilitation skills, research techniques, and supporting groups in the areas of project development and implementation. Kate has tutored on the MSc in Rural Sustainable Development for the past ten years and also co-ordinates, designs and teaches on the NUI Galway Community Development Practice Diploma course.
 
In the past, Kate has been a mentor for the International Fund for Ireland’s Community Leadership Programme and was Vice Chair of Rural Community Network, she was part of the DARD Monitoring Committee for the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, a member of CFNI’s Communities in Transition Team and their Supporting Communities Initiative.
 
Kate’s particular interests are partnership co-ordination and development, storytelling for peace building, networking and managing local development.
  
To contact Kate phone 028 8676 6670.

Jude joined Rural Community Network in July as Rural Enabler for County Down and is based in East Down Rural Community Network in Downpatrick. Jude’s role involves supporting rural communities in County Down in addressing conflict impacts, racism, and social exclusion and in doing so, develop increased understanding and build positive relationships for the future.

Jude has varied experience working in community development, in a paid and voluntary capacity. Previous roles include working for Mediation NI as Development Officer, Community Development Officer with TADA Rural Network and as a facilitator for the HSE South, Health Promotion Department delivering training.
 
Jude is an Associate with Mediation NI, registered facilitator with the Irish Peace Centres and Irish Rural Link and a volunteer with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.

Jude holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Rural Development and Project Management from Queens University, Belfast and qualifications in conflict resolution and group facilitation.

To contact Jude phone 07738 449711.

Anita took up the post of Rural Enabler for Co L’Derry in August and is based in Magherafelt. Her role involves assisting rural communities to develop ways to deal with the issues that still divide us in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland.
 
Anita has worked in community development for many years, both in a paid and voluntary capacity. She previously worked in Community Health Improvement based in CWSAN, as a Causeway Energy Efficiency Advisor and also worked in RCN on various programmes such as the Rural Community Estates Programme.

Anita is active in her local community as a Director of Pomeroy Development Projects Ltd, she is also Vice Chair of TIPSA, an alcohol and drug education and awareness project in the Mid Ulster area, and is a member of Cookstown Warmer Homes Group, Cookstown Children’s Locality Group and Cookstown Obesity Steering Group.  She is also a social partner on the South West Peace III Partnership.

She holds a BSc in Biochemical Sciences with Dip in Industrial Studies from University of Ulster and a Diploma in Community Development Practice.

To contact Anita phone 07738 449693.
 

Rainer joined Rural Community Network as Rural Enabler (Armagh) in August 2010. He brings some 32 years experience of working in the community, voluntary and youth sectors in Northern Ireland, which he gained in Centre for Neighbourhood Development, NICVA and Face Inclusion Matters.  Rainer has a keen interest and a long track record in training and consultancy work for voluntary organisations and he has designed and delivered a wide range of training programmes and produced materials on management for voluntary organisations, fundraising and most recently, disability awareness. He firmly believes in the importance of social inclusion based on the principles of equity, diversity and interdependence for the future of our society and he hopes that the Rural Enabler Programme will be able to make a significant contribution towards these aims.
 
To contact Rainer phone 07808 760528.

Ann is delighted to rejoin Rural Community Network as Rural Enabler (Tyrone) and is based within Omagh Forum for Rural Institutions.  Her community development experience began in rural Kenya where she conducted research for her thesis for an MSc in Communications. She was a Project Officer within RCN’s Rural Community Estates Programme and also worked for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland on the community arts programmes STart UP and Re-imaging.  Ann is very passionate about social justice and personal empowerment. 
 
Other qualifications include facilitation, coaching, capacity building and mediation as well as an Advanced Diploma in Community Peace-building, gained through Columbia University, New York and Queen’s University, Belfast.  She also has several years experience as a part-time lecturer with the Southern Regional College which included the delivery of personal development, leadership and good relations programmes.  Ann is looking forward to supporting individuals and communities in rural areas to address sectarianism and racism through dialogue, capacity building and shared intercultural initiatives.

To contact Ann phone 07798 584395.

Aedin has taken up the post of Rural Enabler (Co Leitrim) and is based in Drumkeeran.  Her role is varied and includes making contact with communities and groups on the ground affected by the conflict who are not availing of other support programmes and to support them.
 
Aedin has a background in teaching but for many years has worked in the area of EU funded projects with roles of project manager, facilitator, evaluator, report writer, planner and co-ordinator north and south of the border.  Recently, she has been a mentor for the Leitrim Cross Border Links and ‘Supporting the Protestant Community’ Peace III projects, facilitating groups to access funding and fill out application forms.  
 
Aedin is Secretary of Ballinaglera Development Company and is project managing the substantial refurbishment of Ballinaglera Community Hall.  She also is the Musical Director of the local Shanallen Choir, participating in events locally and cross-border, and has produced and directed school musicals with the local Primary School.
 
Aedin holds a BSc in Biochemistry, PhD in Cancer Research from University of London, H Dip. in Education and Diploma in Peace Building and Community Development Practice.

To contact Aedin phone 08717 62965.
 
 

Jane has taken up the post of Rural Enabler (Co Sligo) and is based in the Sligo LEADER Partnership offices.  Jane will be working with individuals, communities and groups to explore possible ways for them to create more peaceful and equal communities for everyone to live in.
 
Prior to this, Jane worked as the Project Manager of a Community Development Programme for over a decade which included community development work and many cross border initiatives and peace building programmes in a rural setting.  
 
Jane holds a BA H Dip Ed, Diploma in Peace-building and Community Development and a Higher Certificate in Arts in Advocacy Studies.

To contact Jane phone 00353 8717 62964.

Lorraine has taken up the post of Rural Enabler (Co. Monaghan) and is based in the Workhouse in Carrickmacross. Lorraine’s role will involve assisting and supporting  individuals, groups and communities to form appropriate responses to issues of sectarianism, racism and social exclusion experienced in rural communities.

Prior to this, Lorraine has worked in Community Development with Local Development Companies operating under the LDSIP and LCDP programmes. Her remit involved working with local communities, state agencies and NGOs to empower and enable them to address locally identified issues with a strong emphasis on engaging with Youth at risk, Migrants and Women.  Lorraine holds a BA(Hons) in Economics and Sociology, a  H Dip and MA in Community and Youth Work all from National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Maureen is the Rural Enabler for County Donegal.  She is primarily based in the Tuath Office in the Letterkenny Institute of Technology. Maureen’s role involves supporting and assisting rural communities to address issues of sectarianism, racism, social exclusion and all other forms of rural inequality.

Maureen has worked in community development for many years, both in a paid and a voluntary capacity.  Prior to joining the Rural Enabler Programme Maureen worked with a number of peace building and community development programmes both in Northern and Southern Ireland including Gateway to Protestant Participation Project, Londonderry YMCA, Carrickfergus Community Forum and Donegal Community Based Youth Work Consortium.  She is very involved in her local community, is Community Employment Participant Development Officer and Director of Letterkenny Community Development Project and sits on numerous voluntary management committees in Donegal.

Maureen holds an MA, BA (Hons) in Community Development and a Diploma in Peace-building and Community Development Practice.  She also has qualifications in Drugs & Alcohol Substance Awareness, Good Relations, Conflict, Sectarianism, Racism Awareness & Mediation and Group Facilitation.

To contact Maureen phone 00353 8762 74716.

Marie is the Co Cavan Rural Enabler and she is based in Kilnaleck. Marie will be working with individuals, communities and groups to support them in creating peaceful, equal and sustainable rural communities. She will assist programme participants in forming appropriate responses to issues of sectarianism, racism and social exclusion experienced in rural communities.

Marie has worked in community development for many years.  She has been employed in programmes of peace building and community development under Peace l and ll in rural Co Cavan.  She was also employed as a Development Worker in West Cavan through Co Cavan Peace lll Partnership. In this post she particularly worked in capacity building and peace building with rural men. Marie has been based in local communities and worked closely with groups in peace building both cross border and cross community.  Her work linked her with statutory and non statutory bodies and agencies throughout the county. Marie holds a BSc (Hons) and a certificate in Community Development and Peace Building. 

Sharon has taken up the post of Rural Enabler (Co Louth) in September 2010 and is based in Cooley Complex Ltd, Co Louth.  The role is initially looking at the scope of the community, speaking with the community stakeholders and establishing a SAG advisory committee to identify the need of the community where rural inequalities (e.g. sectarianism, racism, social exclusion etc) are addressed, through increasing awareness and understanding, increasing capacity and skills and to increase the potential of sharing of residential, social and environmental spaces. 
 
Sharon studied at the Dundalk Institute of Technology where she achieved a BA (Hons) Degree in Community Sports Leadership. She has previously worked for County Dublin VEC working intricately with the Community of Killinarden in the provision of programmes, services and facilities.  Sharon has undergone Peace training using sport as a vehicle for change. 

To contact Sharon phone 00353 8716 30944.

Patricia joined Rural Community Network in January 2010 as Regional Administrative Officer with the Rural Enabler Programme. Patricia’s main duties are to provide administrative support to the Rural Enabler Project in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland, to take overall responsibility for the co-ordination of financial information relating to the Programme and to oversee financial monitoring of SEUPB in relation to the EU Database Management.
 
Patricia is originally from Magherafelt and worked in Magherafelt Area Partnership for three years as Peace III Project Officer. She studied Business and Administration at the Northern Regional College achieving both NVQ Levels 2 and 3 and is currently completing her first degree equivalent NVQ level 4 in Business and Administration. Patricia has been awarded OCR level 2 in Text, Medical and legal Word Processing, and has achieved a Certificate in ECDL.

To contact Patricia phone 028 8676 6670.

Teresa joined Rural Community Network in June 1999 coming from a position within the NI Rural Development Council. Prior to this, she worked for LEDU. Within RCN she has worked as Administrator for the Mediation Programme, Policy and Research Programme and the Community Relations/Mediation Programme. Teresa is Administrator to the Chief Executive Officer, has responsibility for the CRM database and also supports both the Voice and the Shared Future sub-committees. She also has the delightful task of administration for the AGM.
 
Teresa has Stage 3 Typing and Word Processing, a Certificate in ECDL (Advanced) and has also completed Deaf Awareness training. Teresa sits on the Board of Governors of St Joseph’s Primary School, Killeenan and is a member of the Dungannon/Armagh Autism NI Group.

Ciara joined RCN in November 1998 and is currently Administrator for the Community Development Support Unit. In 2006, she worked on the Rural Women’s Sectoral Programme as Grants Officer managing the EU Grants Database. Ciara studied Business Administration at NEIFHE where she obtained an NVQ qualification. She has also qualifications in word processing, ECDL and EU Grants Database Training.

Sarah joined RCN in June 2010 and is currently the Administrator overseeing the ISO Quality Management System.  Prior to joining RCN, Sarah worked for Mouchel within the LandAspects division as the Project Administrator involved with land take negotiations with affected and potentially affected landowners of proposed Irish based road schemes including A4/A5 Dungannon to Ballygawley and the M17 Galway to Tuam motorway scheme.