Willow Domestic Abuse Services is pleased to announce a number of changes to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of a new Chairperson, Treasurer, and the addition of two new Board members.

These appointments reflect the organisation's continued focus on strong governance, strategic leadership and community commitment as it works to expand services and support more women and children affected by domestic abuse in Co. Meath.

As of May 2026, Richelle Manning assumed the role of Chairperson. Richelle has served as Treasurer and Board Director since March 2021 and has made a significant contribution to the governance and strategic development of the organisation during that time. We are delighted to welcome her into this new leadership role and look forward to working alongside her as we advance our vision of a future free from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and abuse.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our outgoing Chairperson, Sinéad Gogan, who has served as Chair of the Board from 2018 to May 2026. During her tenure, the organisation experienced significant growth and transformation, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, progressing plans for a new refuge in Co. Meath, and rebranding as Willow Domestic Abuse Services. We are immensely grateful for Sinéad's leadership, vision and unwavering commitment, which have helped shape the organisation into what it is today.

We are delighted that Sinéad will remain on the Board for a further year, allowing the organisation to continue benefiting from her expertise, knowledge and unwavering commitment to our mission.

Michelle Bennett assumed the role of Treasurer in May 2026 as a new addition to the Board. Michelle, currently General Manager at Boliden Mines, brings extensive experience in finance, leadership and organisational management. A proud Meath native, Michelle is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and has held a number of senior finance and leadership positions throughout her career and is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting the advancement of women. Her strategic expertise and leadership experience will be a valuable asset to the Board and to her role as Treasurer, and we look forward to benefiting from her insight and contribution in the years ahead.

We are also delighted to welcome Therese Brown to our Board. Currently Global Head of HR at Foodhub, Therese is an experienced senior HR professional with management experience across both the private and charity sectors. She brings significant expertise in organisational development, governance, workforce planning and change management. Therese has a strong understanding of both the governance and operational challenges faced by charities and is deeply passionate about people and organisational culture. We are delighted to welcome her to the Board and look forward to the knowledge, perspective and expertise she will bring to the organisation.

These appointments further strengthen Willow's Board as the organisation continues to grow, develop its services, and work towards a future free from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and abuse in Co. Meath.

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