Press Release
April 17, 2018 • 2 min read
“GOAL’s track record in tackling poverty is to be admired and I am delighted to be joining this dynamic and passionate network of people committed to making a difference in the world"
GOAL has announced the appointment of Siobhan Walsh as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Walsh, formerly Executive Director of Concern Worldwide USA for 17 years, said she is delighted to be joining GOAL at a vital time in the organisation’s development.
“For the past four decades, the dedicated people of GOAL have worked tirelessly to help the most vulnerable people affected by war, natural disaster and extreme poverty. Together with its loyal support base of donors and partners in Ireland, the UK and the USA, they have made an extraordinary difference to the lives of millions of people across the globe.
“GOAL’s track record in tackling poverty is to be admired and I am delighted to be joining this dynamic and passionate network of people committed to making a difference in the world,” added Ms. Walsh.
A Limerick native, Ms. Walsh has more than 25 years’ experience in the set-up, development and management of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). She has spent the last five years focusing on areas such as strategy development, business development and marketing, and has worked with a diverse range of businesses and not-for-profits.
Chairperson of GOAL, Anne O’Leary, has warmly welcomed the appointment of Ms. Walsh.
“After a very robust recruitment process that yielded an extremely strong pool of candidates, I am very pleased with this outcome. Siobhan has a wealth of experience at senior executive level and is exceptionally well-qualified to take on this critical position leading one of Ireland’s most important and well-established international humanitarian organisations.
“Having played a leading role in the foundation of Concern Worldwide USA, and developing it into the organisation it is today, the Board and I are very confident that Siobhan has the necessary leadership skills to take GOAL onto the next stage of its evolution.
“With GOAL having recently marked its 40-year anniversary, this announcement signals an exciting and bright future for the organisation.”
Ms O’Leary also went on to pay tribute to Celine Fitzgerald, who has led GOAL as General Manager since November 2016.
“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Celine for her stewardship through what was a difficult period for GOAL. By virtue of the work she has undertaken over the past 18 months, the organisation has been transformed and Celine’s legacy will long be remembered by all who share in GOAL’s mission.”
Ms. Fitzgerald will undertake a transitional process in conjunction with Ms. Walsh, who will officially take up her CEO role on July 2nd.
GOAL currently runs emergency relief and development programmes across 13 countries, delivering food, water, healthcare, nutrition, shelter and economic opportunities to millions of people every year.
