Staff

Meet our staff:

1. CEO, Ivan Cooper                                                                    
2. People & Programmes team 
3. Business Development team
4. Finance & Operations team
5. Public Policy team

Note: teams are presented below with the Director first, followed by an A-Z of team members.

You can also follow the links below to meet our current Board; our founder, the late Dr. Mary Redmond; as well as the history of The Wheel.

Our Board    Our Founder    The Wheel's History

I took up the role of CEO of The Wheel in May 2023. In my previous role as Director of Public Policy, I was responsible for progressing The Wheel's policy positions on cross-cutting issues affecting the community and voluntary sector, such as charity regulation, funding the sector, encouraging active-citizenship, quality standards, and raising awareness of the role and significance of the sector. 

I have wide-ranging career-experience working in private, public and community and voluntary sectors including diverse roles from managing finance, ensuring good governance, developing funding and business lines, developing strategy, directing public affairs, engaging with the media and general high-level communications work.  I represent The Wheel on a range of national and international fora, and I regularly work with the boards of community and voluntary organisations on their governance and trustee responsibilities.

A big believer in lifelong learning, I have an MBA from Smurfit Business School, a Diploma in Development Studies, and a primary degree in psychology and philosophy from UCD.

You are welcome to get in touch at ivan@wheel.ie. 

People and Programmes Team
 

I joined The Wheel initially in 2017 and have had several roles in the area of funding and projects in that time. In 2024, I took on the role of Director of Development and Member Services.  

I am in charge of delivering The Wheel’s funding strategy. This includes identifying new areas for growth and opportunities, overseeing funding applications, and working with our partners and stakeholders. I also support the teams that deliver our many member services – including our Skills, EU, and Shared Island Programmes – to identify opportunities and maximise their value to our members. One of the parts of my job that I enjoy most is working with members to support them with all things funding, and to better understand how we can improve our member offering.

I am a qualified trainer with a BA in English and Psychological Studies and an MA in Literature and Publishing, both from the University of Galway.  I also have a Diploma in Leadership & Management from the UCD Professional Academy and a Certificate in Charity law, Trusteeship and Governance from the Law Society of Ireland. 

Feel free to contact me at emma@wheel.ie with any questions about funding, our member services, or collaboration opportunities. You can also follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn to keep up to date on my work at The Wheel.

I am a part of the skills development team at The Wheel. A large part of my work focuses on supporting members of The Wheel, as well as the wider nonprofit sector, to build capacity within their organization. The Wheel’s capacity building initiatives include funding opportunities through the Training Links programme, collaborative training and development programmes with both national and European partners, an extensive calendar of training events and multiple networks of interest that foster exchange of best practice and innovation.

My previous work experience in the community, voluntary and charity sector includes voluntary positions with Sankalpa Addiction Service, The Aisling Project and Suas Educational Development.

For further information on programmes run by The Wheel you can reach me on lauren@wheel.ie.

I joined The Wheel as Programme Support Officer in November 2022 to work with the Skills Development team and the Events & Programmes team. Passionate about languages and interculturality, I have a BA in English and Spanish Languages and a MA in International Cultural Strategies. After living in several countries, I have settled in Dublin where I worked for an event company for two and a half years. Following these experiences, I wanted to refocus my career on the social and nonprofit sectors, that is why I’ve taken on the opportunity to work with The Wheel. 

In my spare time, I love going to the cinema, hiking and travelling. 

You can contact me on perrine@wheel.ie.

I manage the skills development team at The Wheel, overseeing The Wheel's varied capacity-building activities. These include an extensive training and events calendar, various skills-building projects & initiatives and The Wheel's engagement with the national skills agenda and stakeholders. 
 
I also work with various stakeholders across the sector, national policy-makers and the education and training sector to ensure that nonprofit organisations of all types, and those that work for them, are well served by the state's skills development infrastructure.  
 
If you have feedback on our skills development work, please feel free to get in touch with me here: mairead@wheel.ie.
 

I joined The Wheel in December 2021, working with the Skills Development team and the Access Europe team. I now work on our EU funded projects that serve the social economy. I studied Civil Law in NUIG and then obtained a Masters in International Human Rights Law from UCD in 2019. After volunteering in Kenya, South Africa and Cambodia, I decided to pursue a career in the charity sector. Having worked in the international development and humanitarian sector for 2 years, I wanted to branch into the domestic nonprofit sector which led me to The Wheel. 

As Social Economy Programmes Manager, I coordinate and oversee many of our EU funded projects. Get in touch if you would like to know more.

When not working, I enjoy travelling and supporting Westmeath GAA!

Contact me on cathyanne@wheel.ie.
 

The Leadership Academy is a space where leaders from Irish charities, community organisations and social enterprises, at all levels of their leadership journeys, come together to connect, learn from and inspire each other.

I have been involved in membership organisations for over 20 years. Prior to my role as Leadership Academy manager, I was CEO of a nonprofit. My background is in running member events and overseeing member communications.

I am an avid volunteer and I have worked with a number of fantastic nonprofit organisations in my own time, delivering training in the areas of leadership and professional development.

If you are interested in learning more about the Leadership Academy or you have a great idea you would like to share, please email me at sharon@wheel.ie or feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.

I joined The Wheel as European Programmes Officer in 2021 and took on the role of European Programmes Manager in 2024. I oversee the delivery of Access Europe, a support and capacity building programme for the community and voluntary sector around accessing and managing EU funding.  This involves researching EU funding opportunities that are relevant to the sector and The Wheel’s members, coordinating and delivering training and events related to EU funding, and assisting organisations in building relationships with potential EU project partners.

Prior to joining The Wheel, I worked in career guidance at the Ballymun Job Centre and Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership where I was involved in various Erasmus+ funded EU projects. I also have a strong background in workforce development and training/facilitation in soft skills and job readiness. In my free time, you can find me rambling in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains or experimenting in the kitchen.

Please feel free to contact me with any queries at emilynelson@wheel.ie.

I joined The Wheel in July 2023 as Training and Events Administrator after completing a BSc in Psychology from UCD. I have volunteered with many organisations over the years such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Jigsaw. 

My role involves planning and preparing various training opportunities and events for members of The Wheel and the wider sector and ensuring our members get the most benefit from the training opportunities.

If you have any questions regarding upcoming training opportunities or events feel free to contact me at matthew@wheel.ie.

I joined the European Programmes Team at The Wheel in January 2021. A key part of my role is implementing Access Europe, a support and capacity building programme around accessing and managing EU funding. Here, I consult on funding opportunities, provide tailor-made advice and resources as well as training and events connected to EU Funding. Central to my work is to cultivate and facilitate partnership networks at EU level and connect the Irish non-profit sector with European civil society.

In my work, I am aiming for a Europe defined by possibilities not by limits. Previously I was working for an international NGO based in Berlin, a buzzing city where I also studied Literature and Scandinavian Studies. For the past six years, I have worked in the European public sphere fostering European cohesion by strengthening civil society organisations across Europe, building trust-based communities and equipping active citizens with the practical tools they need to create sustainable and socially just societies.

I love travelling, hiking and speaking multiple languages. Reach out to me if you are interested in EU partnerships or searching for contacts in any European country: christina@wheel.ie.

I have worked for The Wheel since 2019, and am a member of the Skills Team here. I oversee The Wheel’s training calendar and am involved in the coordination of The Wheel’s special events, such as our Annual Summit.  

I have studied in University College Dublin and Dublin Institute of Technology. My background includes six years of running a small business, and I have worked and volunteered with a variety of Irish charities including Parents Plus, Barnardos and Laura Lynn. I am a trained yoga teacher, and proud custodian to Lulu the rescue dog.     

I am available on email on sinead@wheel.ie. I love to hear from our members; get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions for what we can do for your organisation’s upskilling needs.

Business Development Team
 

I joined The Wheel in 2021, working with the Business Development Team. In my role, I support the objectives of the organisation's strategic plan by identifying, researching and accessing funding opportunities which enables The Wheel to deliver supports relevant to the sector.  

I arrived in the nonprofit sector indirectly, qualifying as a Quantity Surveyor in 2004, followed by a Masters Degree in Regional and Urban Planning from University College Dublin. My professional background is in community development, having previously worked as a development officer with the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme, delivering financial supports to community groups and business starts-ups.  

If I can offer any advice or support, please feel free to contact me at mariaoconnell@wheel.ie. 

I am The Wheel’s Member Engagement Manager. I joined The Wheel in 2016 and am responsible to ensure all our members are supported to work more effectively. I support member networks nationally and locally, working with organisations on the ground across the country.

I work closely with the public policy team to represent our members’, and the wider sector’s, shared interests in the Community and Voluntary Pillar and in Coalition 2030, a network of civil society organisations working to influence the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at local and national level.

I have more than 25 years’ experience working in the development, youth work and environmental sectors. I previously worked with Dóchas as Project Coordinator for the European Year for Development 2015 and with the National Youth Council of Ireland as Development Education Programme Coordinator from 2004 to 2012.

I recently stepped down as chairperson of the Irish Development Education Association and also served as chairperson of Comhlámh from 2013-2016. I have a Law Society certificate in Charity Law, Trusteeship and Governance.

In my spare time, I enjoy sea swimming and running. You can contact me on 086 1061313 or by email: johnny@wheel.ie.

Finance & Operations Team
 

I joined The Wheel in the summer of 2022 and am a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. I completed my accountancy training with KPMG after studying Business & Economics. I worked in the nonprofit sector for 7 years before joining The Wheel having previously spent a number of years in the multinational and hospitality industries. My other roles in the sector were as Finance Manager for an addiction support clinic in Dublin, and as Finance Director of an all-Ireland youth charity for 5 years. My main role with The Wheel involves leading the Finance & Operations team. I have a certificate in culinary arts so appreciate being in a kitchen or a restaurant. I also enjoy running, travelling and the cinema in my spare time.  You can get in touch with me at fergal@wheel.ie. 

I joined The Wheel as  Communications Officer in May 2009. In my current role as Communications Manager, I'm responsible for the organisation's communications strategy, media relations and brand positioning. I am also involved in developing communications strategies for a range of programmes and services, and I deliver specialised training in Communications & Marketing.

I studied Political Science and Journalism before cutting my teeth in the worlds of journalism, book publishing, publicity and digital marketing, both in Ireland and South Africa. My areas of expertise include media relations, social media, publishing and strategic communications.

In my spare time, you'll find me with my nose buried in a book, in the cinema, playing my guitar or rambling through the countryside.

You are very welcome to get in touch: gert@wheel.ie.

I am a self-proclaimed social media buff, a technology freak and a digital nomad. I am a member of the Association of Data Protection Officers. I have a Master’s degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing from the Dublin City University. My working experience includes public broadcasting and marketing communications.

My first major involvement with our sector was in 2010 as a volunteer who coordinated the stakeholder engagement and public consultation process leading to the development of the voluntary Code of Practice for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations in Ireland in 2012.

Join me on Twitter where I regularly share my musings on football, data protection, the science of where and photography.

Do you have a question regarding data management, email marketing, cyber security or general IT, please email me at femi@wheel.ie.
 

I joined The Wheel in June 2023 as Communications and Marketing Officer, where I work to maintain our social media presence as well as our related promotional and marketing content. I also provide event coverage, copywriting, editing, and design outputs, and work closely with our entire team to help make sure our internal and external communications run smoothly. 

I’ve been a bookseller, a wine merchant, a small-business owner, a teacher, and a researcher. I’ve received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English and in Medieval Language, Literature, and Culture from Trinity College Dublin and I recently completed a PhD in English Literature at Harvard University. I’ve pursued a life of learning and have always been a believer in trying to affect the world around me as positively as I can. In joining the community and voluntary sector and taking up my post at The Wheel, I’ve found a place where I can pursue that goal well into the future.

When I’m not working, I’m usually reading, sketching, watching movies, playing records, cooking, or board gaming, but never all six simultaneously. 

You can contact me at rob@wheel.ie if you have any communications, marketing, or social media related questions. 

I am the Membership and Accounts Officer, having joined The Wheel in August 2021. I’m here to help you with your application to join our membership community from start to finish, so that you can access the great benefits that The Wheel has to offer without delay. I help with the accounts and assist all members of The Wheel on their membership administration, queries and needs.

My previous experience involved working in the charity and voluntary sector in arts and culture, working on festivals and events. My qualifications include an MA in Arts Policy, BA in Human Resource Management and BA in Fine Art. 

If I can assist you in anyway, reach out by emailing mariacasey@wheel.ie.
 

I joined the Wheel in August 2024 as part-time Finance Manager. I am a qualified ACCA Accountant and have spent many years in a large multinational, after which I then chose to refocus my career working as an accountant in a nonprofit organisation which supports young people. I am passionate about numbers and structure and equally enthusiastic about contributing to the charity and community sector.

In my spare time I love to sit in the sunshine in my garden reading a book or to go swimming in the sea. Feel free to contact me by email here: saracorcoran@wheel.ie.
 

I joined The Wheel in December 2021. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science I gained a strong passion for creating sustainable communities and tackling societal issues, so I combined my passion and my work experience and joined The Wheel. I provide support to The Wheel’s projects and events and support to community and voluntary organisations.

I have a strong interest in gender related challenges and I am an advocate for mental and emotional wellbeing.

I love hiking and growing my own fruit and veg.

You can reach me at ciaralowe@wheel.ie.

I joined The Wheel in January 2022.  The Operations Team covers Administration, ICT, Communications/Promotions and provides overall logistical support for the entire organization.

My background is all about foreign languages but I found my way via IT and EFL teaching to the School Completion Program and then into the community sector with Greystones Family Resource Centre.

I love a good book, a brisk walk and being by the sea. Please feel free to contact me at sarah@wheel.ie.

I’ve been with The Wheel since September 2017, originally joining as Membership Officer before moving into the realm of compliance. My role is to guide The Wheel on our compliance journey, for state agencies and authorities, for funders and for our members. I’m also  responsible for gathering and maintaining our metrics and key performance indicators, ensuring that we are always working towards demonstrating the impact we have for our members, the nonprofit sector, and for society.

My background is in administration management and HR support with over 20 years' global experience. Prior to beginning in The Wheel, working with large fundraising service providers to the community and voluntary sector, collaborating with many different charitable organisations in Ireland and the UK.

Drop me a line at jon@wheel.ie if you have any questions about your own governance journeys.

I joined The Wheel as our Finance Officer in February 2008. I previously worked as Finance & Administrations Officer for The European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland for over 11 years.

Prior to EAPN Ireland, I worked as Community Development Officer with The Community Action Programme and Ballymun Women's Centre. 

My main focus here at The Wheel is on processing payments and generally helping to keep the financial side of our operations working smoothly. 

If you have any payment-related queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me on alex@wheel.ie. 
 

I've been with The Wheel since 2008, managing the Fundingpoint online database of funding opportunities. Fundingpoint contains up to date details of funding grants and awards, specifically open to Irish nonprofits, from local, national, corporate and EU sources.

I'm also responsible for creating and maintaining a number of The Wheel's websites and information services. I invite you to explore some of our work by taking a look around Wheel.ie, and also by visiting our family of websites (see option near the top of this page).

With a background in copywriting and editing, I also produce many of our promotional emails, as well as the Fundingpoint Newsletter, Employer Resources Newsletter, and NewsWheel, our flagship sector-wide monthly newsletter. Learn more about your newsletter options here. 

If you need anything, please do get in touch: paul@wheel.ie.

In 2024, l joined The Wheel as an Administrative Assistant. My main goal is to create a positive atmosphere, making work much more enjoyable. In my free time, I love hiking and dancing, almost anywhere and to almost anything.

You can reach me at agnes@wheel.ie

I joined The Wheel in November 2024 as an Admin Support Officer, working in the Operations Team. Prior to this I worked on projects in the higher education and charity/social enterprise sectors aimed at improving access to education, training and employment for marginalised and disadvantaged groups.

My background is in Women’s Studies and my Masters is in Public Health. I am fascinated by how food choice shapes landscape, culture and our personal narratives.

In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, watching films, baking, messing about in the garden, or going for a wander.

You can reach me at anne@wheel.ie.

Public Policy Team
 

I joined The Wheel as the Shared Island Project Director in December 2021.  My role is to manage this joint initiative of The Wheel and NICVA. Working collaboratively, the project seeks to bring communities together to address challenges, highlight solutions and capitalise on opportunities on a shared island basis. If you are interested in this work please get in touch: suzie@wheel.ie.

I have more than 20 years of experience in community development, education, and project management across a wide range of sectors. I previously worked with TASC's Climate Justice Centre managing the People's Transition pilot and An Cosán as their Social Enterprise Officer and Higher Education Tutor where I still contribute occasionally on their programmes with non-traditional marginalized adult learners.

I co-founded Carraig Dúlra Social Enterprise in 2007, a regenerative community education and nature connection and permaculture hub in Co Wicklow in 2008. A co-creator of TINI (Transition Ireland and Northern Ireland),  Community Gardens Ireland and the all Island Permaculture Network, I also contribute in the Global networks for these movements.

I am the national contact point with ECOLISE (the European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability) and serve as a member of the Climate Justice working group with CWI (Community Workers Ireland) and as a founding director of WWOOF Ireland.

My original degree was in fine art, and I worked for many years in arts therapy. I was one of Ireland’s first creative art therapist and hold an MSc in art therapy from the College New Rochelle, N.Y.

I am passionate about nature connection and spend as much time outdoors as possible. I'm often in soil and mud gardening or working on our cottage restoration using natural building techniques.
 

I am Campaigns Officer with The Wheel. I’m working closely with a pan-sectoral steering group on an exciting new campaign to improve public awareness of the value and impact of the charity and community sector in Ireland. 

My background is in communications, I have a degree in Journalism from DCU, I’ve written for various newspapers and magazines, and I was a digital editor for eight years. My interest in campaigns was sparked by my involvement in the campaign to Repeal the Eighth Amendment in 2018. Living in London at the time, I volunteered with the London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign as an organiser for Home To Vote. I’ve also worked with UNICEF on a campaign to end child marriage and contributed to the Emigrant Papers as part of the campaign to expand voting rights for Irish emigrants. 

Outside of work, I love baking, crafting, food and travel - I’ve also got a side venture where I interview people about their lives, and package it up as a personalised audio memoir. 

If you'd like to chat about the campaign, drop me a line at claire@wheel.ie.

I joined The Wheel in April 2019 as Policy Officer, working with the Director of Public Policy and the Campaigns Manager. My role is to engage with The Wheel's members around on our public policy work, with the goal of improving the legal, operational and legislative environment for community and voluntary activity in Ireland.

I have a broad range of experience in the charity and voluntary sector, primarily in the area of arts and culture, having worked as Production Editor with Visual Artists Ireland for a number of years, and as a researcher on a range of projects for nonprofits and public bodies. I also have experience running a small independent business.

I hold a Master’s in Public Policy from University College Dublin and a BA in History from Trinity College Dublin.

Please feel free to contact me with any policy queries at lily@wheel.ie.