We are guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who volunteer their time and expertise. Our Board plays a vital role in shaping the long-term vision of the organisation, providing oversight and leadership of the strategic direction.
Meet our Board members
Kevin Fitzgibbon
Chairperson
Kevin has been a board member of Let's Grow Together! since April 2021, when he joined as Chair. He has long experience of the NGO sector, both as a frontline volunteer, and as a board member. He was a volunteer with Cork Simon for about 20 years in total, during which he was a board member for 12 years and Chair for 5 years. During his time on Cork Simon's board, Kevin was one of 2 members who led a complete governance review and redesign for the organisation. He has also served as a board member of the Simon Communities of Ireland, and was a founding board member of Galtan Housing Association. He has served on the board of Beaumont Girls' National School, and is a current board member of St. Francis Rochestown College. Kevin is currently the Manager of Halpin Research Centre at the National Maritime College of Ireland, MTU; and previously was the owner and MD of a consulting engineering practice for 13 years. He has a keen interest in renewable energy and sustainability, and was the co-founder of 2 windfarm companies that are now in commercial energy production. His favourite pastime is walking his dog.
John Buckley
Secretary
John is a Law Graduate from UCC, who trained with Ronan Daly Jermyn Solicitors in Cork. Following qualification he spent his working career with that firm. He was managing partner for a stint in the 1990’s. He also led the computerisation and IT strategy in the firm for much of his career. John was a director of Ógra Chorcaí, a youth organisation, for some years, including the transition when Ógra joined the Foróige family. John is also a Director of Westgate Foundation which provides services to the elderly.
Niamh O'Connor
Niamh is a community representative who is raising her 2 daughters in the area. She has experienced being a parent in Australia and Ireland. Niamh has engaged in many aspects of the Let’s Grow Together programme as a parent as well as engaging in training to facilitated Peep groups with team members and has been an active member of the Parent’s Forum. Niamh is passionate about her community and a community based approach to improving expectations and outcomes for all children. She believes she can help Let’s Grow Together achieve this by bringing her determination to ensuring that model of Let’s Grow Together can reach more communities and have a longstanding place for future families to come. Supporting her community is important to Niamh and being on the board of Let’s Grow Together is just one way she does this. Niamh is currently training to become a Special Needs Assistant and has a varied background before this in banking & insurance and customer service management and would encourage anyone in their community that would like to see change to get involved.
Cathy Burke
Cathy Burke is a consultant gynaecologist / obstetrician at Cork University Maternity Hospital. She has been a board member of LGT! since 2021 and is hugely impressed by the past and current achievements of the organisation. She has worked with humanitarian organisations in Africa and South America during her medical career. She is a strong advocate for sustainable healthcare, chairing the hospital Green Group and is also a committee member of Irish Doctors for the Environment.
Nóirín Russell
Professor Nóirín Russell is a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Cork University Maternity Hospital and also works as as the clinical director of CervicalCheck, the Irish cervical screening programme. She joined the board of Let's Grow Together in 2023. She is interested in cervical screening, quality assurance. risk assessment in pregnancy, patient safety and staff engagement. She is passionate about increasing awareness about social determinants of health and the important role that care during pregnancy and early childhood has in childhood development. She is committed to the LGT mission - to work in partnership with everyone important in children’s lives, sharing knowledge, skills and resources, empowering families and enabling children through their relationships and in their communities to be nurtured, fulfilled, achieving and learning.
Nicola Glasgow
Nicola is a mother of two - a young adult and a lively 5 year old. She was drawn to the world of early childhood, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of nurturing and supportive environments. Her experience as a volunteer over the years and working in Early Years has solidified her passion for working with children and fostering their development. She is eager to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the board where she can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children.
Clíodhna Foley-Nolan
Dr Clíodhna Foley-Nolan is a Consultant in Public Health Medicine. She has worked as Director of Human Health and Nutrition at safefood (Food Safety Promotion Board) and as Specialist in Public Health Medicine in the Health Service Executive. She has served on a number of national advisory groups, including the National AIDS Advisory Group, as well as advisory groups on MRSA, immigrant health, food poverty, and antimicrobial resistance. She is currently a member of the Food Safety Authority Board and has served on the Boards of the Veterinary Council of Ireland; Special advisory Board on Obeisity; the Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the HRB Centre for Health and Diet Research.
Fiona Forde
Fiona Forde is a Chartered Accountant with extensive financial experience across various functions within the Health Service Executive (HSE), including acute care, community services, mental health, and corporate operations. She currently serves as the Core Finance and Financial Planning Lead for implementing new financial systems in the HSE. Fiona has engaged in several voluntary positions, such as the head leader of the Upper Glanmire Foroige Club and treasurer of the Mid Cork Foroige District Council. She has also been an active member of the Upper Glanmire Community Association. Recognising the importance of community, Fiona is dedicated to the LGT mission and the community-based strategy aimed at empowering families and enhancing outcomes and expectations.
