Golden Bridges 2023

Alison has responsibility for leading Tourism Ireland’s Marketing Strategy and Operations in the US, Canada & Australia. In June 2017, Alison also assumed responsibility for Tourism Ireland’s operations in Australia/New Zealand. She also serves as Chair of the European Travel Commission (ETC), USA Chapter since 2017. ETC is the non-profit organisation responsible for the promotion of Destination Europe as the worldwide number one tourist destination in third markets.

Andrea Haughian is Executive Vice President and Head of Americas at Invest NI, Northern Ireland’s Economic Development Agency.

A recognized expert in Foreign Direct Investment, international trade, offshore development and global business expansion, Andrea Haughian has helped C-Level executives accelerate business growth, maximize profitability and facilitate recruitment, training and R&D.

Andrea’s experience spans a diverse range of sectors including creative and digital technology, financial services, legal and professional services, life and health sciences, green economy, manufacturing and global start-ups.

Andrea is proud to showcase the talents of home-grown companies and innovators and to enable entrepreneurs to make connections with advocates and influencers in challenging markets across the Americas.

Andrea is an advocate for the advancement of women and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is a long-time supporter of Young Enterprise. 

Andrea received the Global Recognition Award at the Digital DNA Awards 2019. The Global Recognition Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on Northern Ireland’s digital and technology sector on a global scale. In 2021 Andrea received the Tom Moran Business to Arts Leadership Award for her success in building successful partnerships between the business sector and arts communities. Andrea is a past Irish Echo Top 40 Under 40 Awards honouree, has been named as one of Irish America’s Most Influential Women by the Irish Voice and is a proud recipient of the Belfast International Homecoming Ambassador medal.

Andrea is based in New York, is a graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, has undertaken post-graduate programs in both San Francisco and Chicago and is a graduate of Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Programme.  

Andrew was appointed to his US Diplomatic Post in November 2019. He joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 1988 and the Senior Civil Service in 2000. His previous diplomatic post was as Head of the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels from 2015 until November 2019, where a major priority related to the particular challenge of Brexit for the region of Northern Ireland.

From 2010 he was responsible for a programme of major reform to the delivery of EU Common Agricultural Policy grants and subsidies to farmers in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. As a result of this work, the exposure of the Department to financial correction by the European Commission was significantly reduced.

From 2005 until 2010, he was responsible for directing the development of population health policy in Northern Ireland, including the introduction of legislation to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces and the preparations for pandemic influenza.

From 2000 to 2004 he was Secretary to the Parades Commission with responsibility for providing senior advice to the Commission on the discharge of its duties and powers in relation to issues concerning human rights and the promotion of mediation and peacebuilding.

Christina McAlinden, the founder and innovator at Laniveen, has crafted a distinguished 14-year career in nursing, dedicating 12 of those years to the specialized field of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Her educational journey, marked by First Class Honors from the University of Ulster and a Postgraduate Diploma in Neonatal Nursing from Queen’s University Belfast, showcases her profound expertise in neonatal care.

Advocating strongly for the integration of families into neonatal care, Christina’s role as a Family Liaison Nurse Practitioner has been pivotal in highlighting the importance of parental involvement from the earliest stages. Her professional expertise extends across various critical areas, including discharge planning, practice development, and education, reflecting a diverse skill set committed to enhancing both patient care and healthcare practices.

With a career spanning across Ireland and New Zealand, Christina brings a global perspective to Laniveen, infusing a family-centered philosophy into the core of the company, which carries the meaning ‘tiny baby’. Laniveen stands as a testament to her drive to combine clinical excellence with heartfelt care in neonatal services.

Christina’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by key milestones such as insights from Alpha Innovation EU, support from the Local Enterprise Office, participation in the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Programme, and collaborations facilitated by the Health Innovation Hub Ireland. These accomplishments highlight her dedication to innovation, including the development of a patent-pending NICU product.

Through Laniveen, Christina is set on delivering NICU solutions that not only aim to improve the health outcomes for preterm infants but also to offer cost-effective healthcare approaches and support the mental well-being of mothers. Under her direction, Laniveen aims to transform neonatal care by seamlessly blending innovation with the nurturing spirit of nursing

Patricia Logue has been an elected councillor in the city for the last 18 years. First elected to Derry City Council in 2005, Patricia has represented the Moor on the new Derry City & Strabane District Council since its inception in 2014.During that time Patricia has served on a number of key council committees and been central to efforts to drive forward regeneration across the city. 

Patricia is committed to being a Mayor for All and working for every single citizen across the Derry and Strabane district. She will use her time as first citizen to promote a positive vision for the area that is focused on delivering first-class council services, economic regeneration and a better for all. 

Patricia has chosen the Ryan McBride Foundation and Foyle Hospice as her charities and will fundraise and promote the work of these organisations during her term in the Guildhall. 

First elected to office in 2000, Martin is married to Denise and they have five children.

He was elected as Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, for the year 2023-24.

Since being elected to public office, a project which has been ongoing for the past 40 years has been brought to completion; namely the highly anticipated Sunvalley Swimming Pool facility.

Martin is a hard-working man and is focused on continuing to access funding for improvements in road networks and also maintenance of essential services in the area. Furthermore he is constantly available to locals to assist with social housing issues.

An all rounder, Michael is a member of the Sean McCummaills GAA Club, and Ballybofey Soccer club.

Garry Martin is the Director of Economic Development, Information Systems and Emergency Services with Donegal County Council and is, additionally, the designated Director of the Donegal Municipal District.

In these roles he leads the Council’s development and application of initiatives supporting economic and business development, manages and leads the Council’s response in emergency events involving Fire Service and Civil Defence and has responsibility for the management and delivery of ICT solutions in support of the Council’s service delivery requirements.  

He has held the Director of Finance position in Donegal from July 2010 until 2018 and has worked both locally and nationally, (as president of the Heads of Finance Association) in leading and developing financial responses to strategic issues challenging both the Council locally and the sector nationally across a range of areas.

Garry is a qualified Chartered Public Finance Accountant, holds a Master of Science Degree in International Business from Ulster University and also holds an Advanced Certificate in Business Counselling from Durham University Business School.

Joseph Kennedy III currently serves as the Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs. Over four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Kennedy built an impressive legislative record around economic policy, health care, and civil rights.  Representing a district that spanned from the suburbs of Boston to the proud post-industrial communities along Massachusetts’ South Coast, Mr. Kennedy sat on the House Energy & Commerce committee and spearheaded bipartisan efforts to extend mental health coverage, support the domestic manufacturing industry, protect consumer voices online, make hearing aids more affordable, and defend access to legal assistance for struggling families. Today, Mr. Kennedy also serves as Managing Director at Citizens Energy, a non-profit energy company founded to help low-income families meet their basic energy needs.  Through innovative programming, Citizens has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to benefit millions of families across the United States.  He is the founder of Groundwork Project, an advocacy organization dedicated to supporting local community organizing efforts in under-resourced and historically disenfranchised communities.  He also serves on the boards of the Woodwell Climate Research Center, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School and spent two years in the United States Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic.  He is married to Lauren Birchfield Kennedy and they have two young children, Eleanor and James, and a rescue dog, Banjo.

Kevin Friend has been the lead producer/director/editor of more than 200 episodes of travel broadcast television including: Golfing the World, a ski & ride series called The Mountain Report and a new international polo series called The Polo Passport. 

Golfing the World began in the links land of Ireland in 1998 and has evolved into the longest running television broadcast series on Irish golf having produced features from over 60 Irish golf properties.   The program also showcases the cultural experiences surrounding these golf communities in story lines called “Out of Bounds”. 

Some of the courses covered from the North West include Ballyliffin, Portstewart, Portsalon, Narin & Portnoo, Donegal, Enniscrone, Rosses Point, Carne, Bundoran, Lough Erne, Rosapenna, and Portrush.

When not on the links, Kevin teaches Broadcast Journalism and Film Production at Stonehill College, and has been creating documentaries with a focus on sports and social issues including: The Kings of Cape Cod, the award-winning Sacred Ground, and Borderland: The Life & Times of Blanche Ames Ames.   

Kevin Friend

BCN Productions

51 Main Street, North Easton MA

[email protected]

www.bcnprod.com

www.golfingtheworld.tv

Originally from Cork City, Ireland and now residing in Boston, Laura is the CEO of North America at HealthBeacon, a medication adherence technology company. HealthBeacon develops smart tools for managing medication. Previously, Laura was Executive Vice President, US Operations at RxCelerate, an outsourced drug development company. Prior to that, Laura was the Director of Business Development at MassBio (Massachusetts Biotechnology Council), onboarding almost 700 new companies in 4 years. Additionally, Laura is the President of the Boston Irish Business Association (BIBA). In 2018, Laura received the Irish Echo 40 Under 40 Award, as well as their Business Innovator Award. In support of early-stage innovation, Laura is a Mentor and Judge at MassChallenge within their Bridge to MassChallenge program, advising foreign companies on aspects of market entry and market intelligence as well as Sales, Marketing and Business Development strategy. Laura has been a BIBA Board Member for several years and was awarded the Boston Irish Business Young Leader Award in 2015. Laura is a proud member of the American Heart Association Boston Metro Board of Directors and is affiliated with many worthwhile organizations such as the Quincy Chamber of Commerce & the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate – 1787 Society. Laura is a three-time graduate of Northeastern University, holding a BSBA in Finance, a Master’s Degree in Innovation and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Laura is passionate about business, disruptive technology, economic development, international trade and investment, and innovation. She takes great pride in facilitating introductions and making connections across her vast, global business network.

Martina is the Founder of CHC Home Care, a boutique style home care agency that allowed people to remain safely in their homes while receiving nursing care. She grew the business organically to a multimillion dollar company until it was acquired by a publicly traded corporation in October 2020. Martina serves as Board Chairperson of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston and is the first female to hold this position.She’s an active member of the New England Council, Irish Network Boston, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Co-founder of Mná Mheiriceá.

In 2019 she was an honoree at the Irish Echo Small Business Impact Awards honoring Irish American entrepreneurs and business leaders receiving the Care Ambassador Award. Martinahas a deep fondness for her beloved Co. Clare where she was born and raised. She is and avid outdoors person and has completed three Boston Marathons. She is currently an EMBA Candidate at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School. Martina resides in the Back Bay with her husband Craig. 

Her motto to live by is, “Goals are achieved through hard work, high standards and surrounding yourself with good people.”

B.A., LL.B., LL.M., B.L.. Barrister-at Law.

Chair of the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) 

Chair of the Tort and Insurance Specialist Bar Association (of Ireland) 

Chair Emeritus of the Bar of Ireland

Maura practices as a Barrister in civil law, primarily in personal injury / professional negligence law. She is primarily a litigator and advocate with extensive experience in the Court environment and at Tribunals and Hearings. Her area of specialisation has resulted in extension of her practice to Dispute Resolution , both Mediation and Arbitration. She has appeared in all Court jurisdictions in Ireland and has addressed various committees of the Oireachtas . (Government).

Maura is a native of Dromod, Co Leitrim. 

Following post-graduate studies in Warwick University (LL.M.), and University College Galway (B.A. & LL.B.), she completed her Barrister-at-Law Degree at The King’s Inns. (B.L). She was called to the Bar in 1992, and practised on Circuit until her appointment to the Inner Bar in 2017, where she specialises in Civil Law. 

Maura was elected as Chair of the Bar of Ireland in July 2020 , being only the second ever female Chair , the last being her Honour Ms. Justice Mella Carroll S.C. ( later of the High Court)  in 1979.  Maura was then unanimously re-elected for a further 12 months the following year. 

In December 2020 Maura was voted Woman Lawyer of the Year by the Irish Women Lawyers Association.

Maura is a Bencher of the King`s inns. She is a member of the Bar of Ireland of the Bar of Northern Ireland.

In March 2022, she was elected as Chair of the Governing Body of one of Ireland’s newest universities, The Atlantic Technological University, (ATU) which now has almost 25,000 students. 

She is Chair of the Tort & Insurance Specialist Bar Association, which operates in tandem with the Bar of Ireland. 

She is a director of the Irish Rule of Law (IRLI), an all-Ireland body whose objective is to tackle global injustice through the promotion of equality and democracy. 

She has previously acted as a Director of the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre (DDRC), Judicial Appointments  Advisory Board (JAAB), The Courts Service Board and the LegaL Services Advisory Board .

Maura has regularly been invited to speak at conferences and events , both at home and abroad, providing her insight on subjects  such as Access to Justice,  The Rule of Law, and Medical Negligence.  In November 2022 she was invited by the Bar of England and Wales to address their conference on the subject of Threats to the Rule of Law in 2022 and Beyond –  The Irish Experience. 

Maura has been (and is) a strong voice for equality and diversity in legal and human rights perspectives recently Chairing a Bar of Ireland 3-Day Conference entitled Home and Abroad; Human Rights, Universal Rights?  which addressed human rights and the rule of law on the island of Ireland, post Brexit, and the rule of law overseas.

 Maura regularly provides advice and assistance to numerous NGOs. 

Professor Malachy Ó Néill is Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University (since August 2021), taking responsibility for relationships with key stakeholders including governmental agencies, councils, trusts and other relevant authorities on behalf of the institution. He was awarded a Personal Chair in Irish (2020) and was Provost of the Magee Campus in Derry (2016-21) and Head of the School of Irish Language and Literature (2012-17). He has played a central role in a range of strategic initiatives for the University including City and Growth Deals (UK Government), Shared Island (Irish Government), the inception of a School of Medicine (opened 2021), the development of the North West Cross-border Tertiary Cluster (with FE/HE partners) and the accreditation of Derry/Strabane as a UNESCO Learning City Region.

He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, the highest accolade in UK Higher Education and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.  He was appointed to the Department for Communities’ Irish Language Strategy Expert Advisory Panel in 2021 was a member of the Irish Government’s Review Board of the Official Irish Language Standard (2016). He was editor of An tUltach (2008-10) and his research includes modern Irish pedagogy, the Ó Néill dynasty and Irish language theatre and he is Lead Investigator (Northern Ireland) in the c.€4million Shared Island social capital research initiative with NUI Galway, University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University. He is a Board member of the Causeway and Derry Chambers of Commerce and Temporary Chair of the Governing Body of North West Regional College. 

Professor Ó Néill enjoys close ties with the Donegal Gaeltacht, having spent many years in Machaire Rabhartaigh and Gaoth Dobhair facilitating courses for teenagers and adult learners of Irish. He resides in his native parish of Ardboe, Co. Tyrone, with his wife Ursula and their three children, Proinsias, Tomás and Sorcha.

Rónán Mac Con Iomaire is Director of Regional, Community & Language Development for Údarás na Gaeltachta, and is responsible for micro-enterprise, language planning and community development, among other areas. Údarás na Gaeltachta is the State body responsible for the economic, cultural and social development of Ireland’s Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) regions. 

Previously, Rónán was RTÉ’s Group Head of Irish Language and Deputy Head of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Rónán has a background in media and entrepreneurship, having spent many years working as a journalist across a broad range of platforms. He has founded several of his own companies, operating primarily in the marketing and hospitality sectors. 

Rónán was awarded New Writer of the Year for his biography of Boston-based Irish boxer, Seán Mannion, a book that went on to become the fastest-selling Irish language book of all time and on which the award-winning feature documentary, Rocky Ros Muc, was based. Rocky Ros Muc was the first Irish-language feature to be longlisted for an Academy Award. Rowman & Littlefield published his second book, The Man Who Was Never Knocked Down, in 2018. He is currently working on a third book on the Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement.

Sara Stanton is the Founder and Managing Director of Cara Group Travel, a leading custom group travel company based in Quincy, Massachusetts. For over 13 years, she has guided the company’s growth and reputation for creating transformative international journeys that inspire connection, education, and cultural exchange.

With more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Sara is recognized as a trailblazer in international sports travel. She played a pivotal role in developing the Friendship Four Ice Hockey Tournament in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has overseen travel logistics for major collegiate basketball events in Dublin and London. Through these initiatives, she has helped bring U.S. collegiate teams abroad, fostering both athletic competition and meaningful cross-cultural engagement.

Sara’s expertise also extends to professional learning travel programs. She has curated global journeys for judges and lawyers from the Chicago Bar Association, blending legal education with immersive cultural experiences and has led legislative learning missions for the New York State Legislature, advancing international dialogue and collaboration.

At the heart of Cara Group Travel is the Irish word “Cara,” meaning “friend.” This spirit of friendship and connection defines Sara’s approach to travel and business alike. Guided by her commitment to connection, trust, and personalized service, she continues to shape Cara Group Travel’s mission to deliver exceptional group travel experiences across Ireland, Europe, and beyond

Sian Farrell is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of StimOxyGen, a spin-out company that has developed a game-changing technology to vastly improve the quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients across the globe.

Sian initially studied pharmacy at Ulster University and received several awards as an undergraduate including, The Randox Award for Biomolecular Immunology and Therapeutics, The Sir Allen McClay Award for Best Final Year Science Project, and The Royal Pharmaceutical Award for the Best Student on the MPharm Degree programme. Upon graduating from Ulster University in 2015, Sian moved to Bristol (United Kingdom) to complete her pre-registration training in the Bristol Royal Infirmary. During her time there Sian gained extensive clinical experience in several specialist fields, including oncology, and was awarded Regional Pre-Registration Winner for the South West of England for her clinical research and presentation skills. After gaining further experience as a hospital pharmacist at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Sian decided to follow her passion and embarked on a PhD Programme at Ulster University in 2017 which focused on the development of nanoparticle formulations for enhanced sonodynamic therapy against pancreatic cancer.   

In the final stages of her PhD, Sian began investigating the commercial value of StimOxyGen technology and established a spin-out company along with Professor Anthony McHale, Professor John Callan, and Dr Leslie Russell in 2021. Sian led the StimOxyGen team to success at the INVENT 2021 awards, hosted by Catalyst NI, where she won all three categories including Health and Wellbeing, One-Minute Elevator Pitch and Winner of Overall Competition, taking home a total cash prize of £26,000. Sian’s efforts have been recognised at a local level where she has been included in the Belfast Telegraph’s 30 under 30 of the best and brightest entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland 2022 and also internationally due to being selected as an awardee for the MIT Technology Review’s Under 35 Europe 2022 listing.

With experience in both clinical and academic research settings, Sian has developed a passion for technology transfer from bench to bedside and is determined to improve the lives of cancer patients on a global scale.

Stephen Gillespie is the Director of Business and Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council. The Business and Culture directorate encompasses a range of services such as economic development and job creation, business support and engagement, ICT, tourism, arts and culture, visitor services, heritage and museums and marketing and communications.

Stephen believes that councils have a growing responsibility to ensure that positive growth and development can continue at a local level, and in his capacity as Director of Business and Culture – two key economic areas for the North West – has been working to promote the City and District both on a local and international level.

“This is an exciting time for Derry and Strabane as we work through the next stage of our City Deal bid, making cases for a portfolio of strategic growth projects that will drive innovation, including the delivery of centres of innovation and excellence in data analytics (CARL) and robotics and automation (CIDRA) together with the key smart/digital City and Region initiatives.

“On the business front Council already offers a strong programme of support for entrepreneurship and new business start-ups which provides the expertise needed to nurture fledgling companies and incentivise and inspire new talent. We have also been strengthening our international business links with the City of London, the US and China ensuring that word gets out about our unique proposition as an area ripe for investment and growth.”

With the publication of a raft of new strategies in the areas of Arts and Culture and Tourism, Stephen is confident that Derry and Strabane now has the blueprint to develop a thriving creative economy, and become an outstanding visitor destination brimming with heritage and culture.

“Council has been working closely with a wide range of partners to establish the best way forward in supporting and empowering our creative community. We have the potential to become a significant cultural hub, which will also enhance our appeal as a visitor destination with a strong heritage offering celebrating the many historical and cultural assets we have to offer.

“On a broader spectrum, we are also making good progress in the delivery of the Strategic Growth Plan for the City and District with major strides already evident in our first Statement of Progress, showing that we are on track in our overarching plans to transform the North West for the better.”

Stephen qualified as an accountant in 1996 having trained in an industrial setting with Desmond and Sons, the clothing manufacturer. He then moved on to become the Financial Controller at Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners. This private sector experience has been invaluable in the current role.