Community Foundation welcomes new CEO 

19 May 2021

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has appointed Róísín Wood as its new Chief Executive.

Róisín, previous CEO of Kick It Out, English football’s equality and inclusion organisation, has been pivotal in managing and leading the organisation’s equality work, and fostering a more inclusive, cohesive environment in English football since 2011.

Awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to tackling discrimination in football, in October 2020 Róisín took on a new challenge as an Inclusive Leadership Consultant, highlighting her passion and commitment towards an inclusive society.

The Foundation is delighted to welcome Róisín to their team. Originally from Ballynahinch, she is currently relocating to NI and will take up her post later this month.

Maeve Monaghan, Chair of the Foundation commented “On behalf of the staff, Board and stakeholders I am pleased to welcome Róisín to our committed team. She brings with her a wealth of professional and personal experience that will be invaluable in the role, including a deep understanding of the issues facing grassroots communities. Róisín has been proactively building a more inclusive environment in football, working with diverse communities and empowering young people. We have no doubt that she will continue to lead the Foundation from strength to strength, as we continue to thrive and support communities across Northern Ireland.

Róisín Wood, new CEO of the Community Foundation added, “I am delighted to be joining the Foundation as CEO at this exciting time. Earlier in my career I worked at the Foundation, focussing on a programme with ex-prisoners, and I have continued to follow and admire its work and progress.  It will be a privilege to lead this forward-thinking organisation to support  a peaceful, prosperous, shared and just society.”