Press Release
November 7, 2025 • 2 min read
Today, GOAL is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Farrelly as Chief Executive Officer. Jennifer has been serving as Interim CEO at the aid agency since September 2025 and brings over 25 years of experience in financial leadership, governance, and strategic transformation to this pivotal role
In welcoming the announcement, Barry O’Connell, Chair of GOAL’s Board said, “The Board and I are delighted to welcome Jennifer as GOAL’s new CEO. Her deep commitment, leadership, and integrity will be invaluable as we continue our mission to support vulnerable and marginalised communities across 14 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Jennifer also brings a clear vision for the future and strengthens our dedication to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.”
In responding Jennifer Farrelly said, “I am honoured to lead GOAL at a time of global challenge and change. I am passionate about GOAL’s work in humanitarian aid and development, and its legacy of more than 40 years supporting communities in crisis. It is both a privilege and a significant responsibility to take on this role and I very much look forward to engaging with our supporters across Ireland, our government donors including Irish Aid across the world, and partner and peer agencies in the sector, to carry this mission forward.”
Jennifer added, “A key priority will be driving GOAL’s Crisis to Resilience Strategy, which helps communities withstand and recover from crises by strengthening the local systems they rely on. Whether facing conflict, climate shocks, or displacement, our approach focuses on protecting lives, stabilising services, and building long-term resilience so communities can thrive even in adversity.”
Jennifer joined GOAL in September 2024 providing financial strategy development advice and acting as advisor to the CEO’s Office. Previously Jennifer has held senior finance roles at ESB, AIB, Bord Gáis Energy, Irish Life, and Pepper Advantage Ireland. She has also led strategy, acquisitions, and risk functions, and held Board positions at FNZ (Europe) DAC and AIB Corporate Finance.
Jennifer’s commitment to social impact is reflected in her previous Board role with the Matt Talbot Community Trust (2014–2016) and her ongoing involvement with Dublin Simon Community, where she joined the Audit and Risk Committee in 2024 and became a Board member in July 2025.
Jennifer is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
