Our Board of Directors
COPE Galway Governance and Leadership
At COPE Galway, we are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of our organisation.
Each board member brings a wealth of experience, skills, and expertise, playing a crucial role in achieving our mission and vision. They provide strategic direction and oversight in implementing our strategy and ensure that COPE Galway adheres to all relevant laws and regulations.
Our board delegates operational responsibility to our CEO, Michael Smyth, who is supported by the COPE Galway Senior Leadership Team.
Meet our current board members who volunteer their time to direct and support our work.
Business Representative
Padraic Timon, Chair
Padraic joined COPE Galway’s Board in 2019 bringing with him many years of international business experience. A Dublin native, Padraic grew up in Salthill, graduating from NUIG with a B. Comm and later an MBA. He set up Chameleon Colour Systems in 1992 and is a member of the Regional Committee of IBEC. Still an active sports participant and fan, Padraic trained and managed local teams for many years.
Business Representative
Ashling McEllin, Vice Chair
Ashling has an extensive background in customer service and operations management. She is the Associate Director of Global Support Operations for The Knot Worldwide and before that, she held managerial and director roles for over 9 years with Wayfair, Galway. At Wayfair, Ashling managed a customer service team of 150 and played a pivotal role in scaling and optimizing Wayfair’s Customer Service across Europe. Ashling holds a degree in Law and German from Trinity College Dublin and an MBA from NUI Galway.
“I joined the Board shortly after taking part in the COPE Galway Business Sleepout in 2019. I met many people that night who spoke about how COPE Galway had helped them during the most difficult times in their lives. It is a real privilege to be involved with an organisation that does so much to help so many in our local community.”
HR Representative
Caroline Healy
Caroline Healy is an experienced senior human resource manager with broad experience in learning and development, operations and quality. Her key competencies include coaching, change management, talent management and succession planning. Caroline specialises in continuous improvement, high potential leadership development and integration with other HR processes. She is particularly interested in developing strategies that achieve a robust workforce through intentional career development processes resulting in an enhanced bench strength of motivated talent.
Finance Representative
Ciara Greaney
Ciara Greaney is the Group Director of Operations for CMS Distribution. Her role focuses on scaling and improving operational processes within a diverse and growing company. Previously, Ciara was the International Controller at Avaya, and has extensive experience in financial and cross-functional management. She is a Fellow of the ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a certified project manager with the Project Management Institute (PMI), and holds an MBA from the University of Galway.
“I was aware of the work COPE Galway was doing that benefitted many in the Galway community. I met some of the staff and was blown away by their dedication and determination to make a difference. I really wanted to get involved and contribute in some way using my own experience. It is an exceptional organisation, I am very proud to work with COPE Galway.”
Staff Representative
Colette Mangan
Colette has worked in emergency accommodation services with COPE Galway for over 20 years. She initially joined the organisation to work with children at risk and homeless families. Having worked in frontline homeless services, predominantly with homeless women in Osterley Lodge, Colette has developed a particular interest in trauma and mental health as well as the psychology of addiction. She completed a degree in languages at University College Dublin and then studied Social Care at the University of Galway. She has significant experience in staff welfare, development and training; and currently manages the COPE Galway Community Based Housing, Winter Project.
“I joined the COPE Galway Board to gain a perspective on how the organisation works from the board level and to bring the voice of COPE Galway frontline staff to the Board.”
Business Representative
Colm O’Donnellan
Colm is a Senior Partner at O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers and has been a strong supporter of COPE Galway for many years. His support has included participating in several COPE Galway Business Sleep Out events, where he has raised significant funds for COPE Galway homeless services. Colm has also supported a number of other fundraising events and is very well known and connected in Galway.
Business Representative
Cormac Kennedy
Cormac is the Internal Auditor at the University of Galway. He is a qualified accountant (ACCA) with extensive experience specializing in internal control, audit, governance, and risk. Before joining the University, Cormac worked for Mazars Galway, providing internal and external audit and consultancy services to clients including charities and publicly funded organizations. Previously, he held internal audit positions at PWC and AIB. Originally from Cavan, Cormac lives in County Galway with his family.
“I had previously worked with COPE Galway on a number of internal reviews and gained an understanding of the vital services they provide. As a Board of Director, I aim to ensure that COPE Galway has both the governance structures and resources in place to meet the needs of its users and staff, comply with regulatory and best practice requirements, and achieve its strategic objectives.”
Media Representative
Declan Varley
Declan Varley joined the COPE Galway board in July 2023. He is the Group Editor of the Galway Advertiser Newspaper Group, a position he has held since 2001. Under his leadership, the Advertiser Newspaper brand has become one of the highest circulation regional newspapers in Ireland. A prolific journalist and author for more than thirty years, Declan holds Masters degrees in Writing and Culture, as well as Media and Identity, and has won global and European accolades for the quality of his editorial writing.
He ensures that the Advertiser is a strong advocate for ensuring that Galway is an accessible, welcoming, and inclusive place for all people who study, live, and work in Galway. He offers the Advertiser as a platform for voices supporting this goal. In his role on the COPE Galway Board, he is keen to help the organisation achieve its objectives of empowering people, creating change, and strengthening communities – through the application of dignity, empathy and respect.
Dermot Nolan
Dermot Nolan is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in audit, risk, and corporate governance. A native of Galway, Dermot spent over 15 years with Mazars, where he advised a wide range of public, private, and non-profit organisations on financial and operational best practices, with a particular focus on the charitable and housing sectors. He is currently employed by Headspace, where he brings his financial and strategic expertise to his role as Group Finance Director.
Dermot joined our Board of Directors in 2023, contributing his skills in governance, risk oversight, and financial stewardship. His deep understanding of compliance frameworks and passion for social impact have been instrumental in supporting COPE Galway’s work across homelessness, domestic abuse, and senior support services.
Legal Representative
Gerald Keys
Gerald joined our board in 2022, bringing five decades of legal experience as a Circuit Court Judge, Barrister, and Law Lecturer. He practiced as a Barrister on the Western Circuit from 1973 to 2002, specialising in Civil and Criminal Law. In 2002, he was appointed Circuit Court Judge and sat on the Flood and Mahon Planning Tribunals. From 2012 until his retirement in 2020, Gerald served as a permanent Judge of the Circuit Court, sitting mainly on the South Western Circuit and dealing with Civil, Criminal and Family Law cases.
Diocesan Representative
Fr Hugh Clifford
A native of Galway City, Fr Hugh Clifford has represented Galway Diocese on the Board of COPE Galway since 2023. Ordained in 2000 after formation at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he served as Curate in Knocknacarra Parish before pursuing postgraduate studies in moral theology in Rome. He then served as Curate in Sacred Heart Parish, Galway City. Returning to Rome in 2012, he was Director of Formation at the Pontifical Irish College until becoming Parish Priest of Kinvara and Ballinderreen Parishes in 2017.
‘I hope to represent the Diocese’s involvement with COPE Galway since its origin, inspired by Jesus’ love for the poor, the marginalised, the suffering, and those in need.’
Kevin Clancy
Kevin Clancy brings over 40 years experience in health and social care, with a proven track record in service development, operational leadership, and strategic transformation across Ireland’s nonprofit and public sectors. His career spans prominent roles with the Western Health Board, the HSE, and the Rehab Group, where he has driven meaningful change and innovation.
Based in Galway, Kevin has held key leadership positions, including General Manager for the West and North West Region at RehabCare (a division of the Rehab Group) and Head of Contracts, where he managed a diverse portfolio of disability and social care services. A passionate advocate, he has represented clients at forums such as the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, helping to create life-changing opportunities for countless individuals.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin has been deeply involved in the GAA throughout his life—as a player, coach, and administrator. In recognition of his 50+ years of dedication both on and off the field, he was honoured with the Pa Burke Award in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to Oughterard GAA and LGFA.
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