In Séamus we Trust
A Cork-based former Irish ambassador in Africa has been announced as one of four new directors to join Ireland’s leading heritage organisation.
Séamus O’Grady, originally from Roscommon and now living in Cork, joins Mark Bennett, Susan Cook, and Patricia Kenny on the board of the Irish Heritage Trust.
Established in 2006, the trust has four landmark heritage properties currently in its care including Cork’s famous Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens.
The other heritage sites in the care of the trust are 11 Parnell Square in Dublin, where the trust is headquartered; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens in Wexford; and Strokestown Park and The National Famine Museum in Roscommon.
Mr O’Grady brings over three decades of international experience in governance, risk management, and strategic leadership to his new role. He previously served as Irish ambassador to Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia, where he oversaw political relations, multi-million euro aid programmes, and governance frameworks as well as promoting Ireland and its culture and heritage internationally. Prior to his diplomatic career, Mr O’Grady worked as a chartered accountant and led a consultancy business specialising in financial management, project evaluation, and investment analysis across Africa, Central Asia, and Europe.
Mark Bennett has 25 years’ experience working internationally in the private, public, and NGO sectors on environmental and business strategy.
Susan Cook brings over three decades of international financial expertise, having held senior roles within the P&O Group at the Head Office in London and later as CFO of Global Ship Lease, a US-listed container ship owning company.
Patricia Kenny has over 20 years of executive experience in human resources, organisational change and transformation, strategic planning, and corporate governance across the public, private, and semi-state sectors.
Ger Aherne, Irish Heritage Trust Chairman, welcomed the newly appointed directors.
He said: “This injection of added talent and extensive expertise in areas such as financial and risk management, climate strategy, governance, HR, and strategic leadership brings additional benefit to the trust as we implement our Strategic Plan 2023-33.
“Our work in conservation, education, sustainability, and community engagement is greatly enhanced by the voluntary commitment of our board members, and their exceptional experience contributes to achieving our strategic objectives,” added Mr Aherne.
The Irish Heritage Trust CLG is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and is governed by a voluntary board of trustees. Under its constitution, the trust is permitted to have 16 voluntary directors on its board.
Devoted to providing a sustainable future for Ireland’s past and empowering communities to conserve and cherish Ireland’s stories, the trust works in collaboration with national and local government, as well as corporate and private owners.
Conservation, education, sustainability, and community are at the core of the trust’s work to care for and share Ireland’s built cultural and natural heritage with as wide an audience as possible.
See irishheritagetrust.ie for more information on what they do.