CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Canada Ireland Foundation (CIF).
Helen’s appointment was announced on Monday and is effective immediately. She had been a member of CIF’s fundraising committee.
Other board members include T. Daniel Burns, Diana Conconi, Alan Duffy, Mark Duffy, Kevin Flynn, Claire Lehan, Constance O’Brien, Cheryl Shindruk, Mike Williams and Joshua Dyer.
They are joined by Chairperson Mark Purdy, founder Robert G. Kearns, Vice Chair Eileen Costelloe and Executive Director William B. Peat.
During her time as Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen has launched a series of strategic initiatives that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally, significantly expanding its membership and influence.
Welcoming her appointment, Mark Purdy, Chairman of the Board of Directors said: “Helen’s vast strategic business experience and relationship building successes in Ireland will bring a welcome international perspective to the Canada Ireland Foundation. As we prepare to open The Corleck, the vibrant new venue for arts, cultural and heritage programming for the Irish-Canadian community, her talents and support will be invaluable in many areas, most especially in stakeholder engagement and HR”.
Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, John Concannon expressed his congratulations. “Helen will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Board. I wish to express my gratitude to the existing Board for giving so generously of their time and playing such an important part in supporting Ireland in Canada. I wish Helen and the Board the very best during their terms. The Canada Ireland Foundation plays a significant role in deepening Ireland-Canada relations particularly in the arts and cultural space, I look forward to seeing their work continue to strengthen this relationship in the years ahead”.
Shannon Chamber represents over 330 companies spanning a wide range of industries, collectively employing approximately 20,000 people in Shannon and the wider region in which it operates.
Before joining Shannon Chamber, the Hospital, Co. Limerick native served as HR Business Partner at Thomson Financial (Ireland) Ltd, where she managed core HR functions and compliance with Health & Safety regulations across multiple sites.
Canada Ireland Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the story of the Irish in Canada. The Foundation has built and maintains public spaces for the community to gather and learn about our collective history. The Foundation also presents a broad range of contemporary arts, cultural and heritage programming throughout the year.
