Having worked in the disability sector in Ireland since 2006, Karen has a vast amount of experience in case management and the management of community services, residential and respite services. Karen has a PhD from Trinity College, a Postgraduate qualification in Healthcare Management from IPA, and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer accredited by the Brain Injury Association of America.

Previously Head of Service Operations at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Karen is driven to ensure that the organisation provides services of the highest quality, which are in line with international evidence-based best practice. Karen engages with a number of working groups nationally which aim to advocate for equitable and quality services across Ireland for those with an acquired brain injury. Karen also recently joined Disability Federation of Ireland as a Board Member.

She was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland in January 2024.

Mary Rose has many years of experience working as a Chartered Surveyor across the property industry in property development, asset management and the housing sectors. Most recently she held the role of Senior Land Manager in a high-volume housebuilder PLC, where she was responsible for large housing projects.

Her vast experience with both blue-chip organisations in Ireland and the UK, in the private and within the non-profit sector, gives her the skills to help reach the strategic vision for Acquired Brian Injury Ireland’s housing needs.

A graduate of UCD Michael Smurfit Business School with an MA in Management and Business, and Heriot Watt University with a BSc Hons in Property Estate Management, her combination of business and property background compliment her role as the Head of Housing and Development. In her free time Mary Rose is a keen golfer, paddleboarder, skier and loves the outdoors with her daughter when given the opportunity.

Email: mcallaghan@abiireland.ie

Caroline qualified as an Occupational Therapist from University College Cork and worked in hospital-based and community rehabilitation services in the UK. She did postgraduate studies in Advancing Healthcare Practice with the Open University and completed her MSc in Occupational Therapy with Sheffield Hallam University.

In 2014, Caroline joined ABI Ireland as a Case Manager in the Midlands region where she was based for 5 years. She has since held a variety of management roles and completed a postgraduate certificate in Non-profit Leadership and Management.

Caroline is our Head of Rehabilitation Programmes and has a keen interest in clinical governance, rehabilitation and outcome measurement. After work, you will find her planning road trips or listening to jazz!

Email: CDonnellan@abiireland.ie

Catherine Lacey is the Director of Service Operations at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. With over 20 years’ experience in brain injury rehabilitation, Catherine leads national service development and champions access to neuro-rehabilitation across Ireland. Her strategic leadership and advocacy continue to drive excellence in services for individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Email: clacey@abiireland.ie

Michelle Merrigan is the Interim Director of Communications and Engagement at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. Michelle has worked in the health and disability sector for 20 years and brings a wealth of internal communications leadership, advocacy and stakeholder engagement to the role. She is committed to human rights, telling the story of the persons we serve and delivering on our mission of making a difference.

Email: communications@abiireland.ie

Suzanne Mulholland is our Chief People, Culture & Belonging Officer. In her previous role with Mantra Strategy, Suzanne worked closely with ABI Ireland on the development of our 2025 – 2029 Beyond Boundaries strategic plan and brings 25+ years’ experience in people and culture roles with a focus on purpose and inclusion. She has held a number of senior people and organisational change positions within the not-for-profit sector in Ireland driving transformational change and growth including in Children’s Health Foundation, Pieta, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Michael’s House.

In ABI Ireland, Suzanne leads the People & Culture team in the delivery of the P&C strategy which aims to put people at the heart of everything we do; building an environment where our values come to life, our teams thrive, and we achieve sustainable success. CIPD qualified, Suzanne also holds a BA in Sociology and is a qualified Executive Coach. She has a passion for working with organisations on strategies that drive inclusion, innovation and growth and has served as a voluntary Board Member of SpunOut, a youth mental health organisation, since 2020.

Nicola is an experienced nonprofit leader and project management professional with over a decade in fundraising experience. During her ten years living in Toronto, Canada, she gained extensive expertise in nonprofit management and strategy. Since returning to Ireland, Nicola has been helping charities unlock their full potential. With a background in business and accounting, Nicola combines her passion for building relationships with her analytical skills to develop and implement comprehensive and data-driven donor strategies.

In her free time, Nicola volunteers as a member of Shannon’s Hopeline Board of Directors, enjoys playing tennis, reading and sea swimming.

Email: nmacmanus@abiireland.ie 

Gráinne is responsible for the strategic development of the organisation’s research and policy agenda. She has spent her career to date working in the fields of disability, older people and dementia. She works at the exciting interface of policy, research and advocacy and has extensive experience and knowledge from a variety of advocacy and campaigning organisations in the community and voluntary sector.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Master of Arts in Social Policy. In her free time, Gráinne enjoys the great outdoors, hill-walking, travelling, a bit of gardening and spending time with family.

Email: gmcgettrick@abiireland.ie  

Alan O’Connell is the National Services Manager (Interim) for the Mid West, South West, South East and South Dublin. Before taking up this role in 2025, he was the Local Services Manager for Limerick and North Tipperary for 19 years, during which time he played a key role in developing the services in that area. He also has experience is residential, training and supported employment services for adults with intellectual disability.

Alan has a BSc(Hons) Applied Psychology and also has qualifications in ACBIS and Effective People Management.

Email: aoconnell@abiireland.ie