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A Spirit of Service

Thanks to the vision of our founders and many volunteers, we established the first chapter of the Ireland Network and created a set of bylaws that helped guide the creation of chapters across the nation. As our organization evolves, so too does our corporate governance and how we work together to serve our members and the larger Irish community. Today, we are proud to have an Executive Committee, Advisory Board and Executive Director who work closely to deliver on our mission and deepen our impact and influence.

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Executive Committee

Our volunteer-based Committee fulfills the mission by ensuring the delivery of regular and varied events and activities of specific interest to members from a business and social perspective. The Committee also provides tools for interactive communication and direct sharing of resources between members and collaborates with organizations whose goals complement the INC mission. Committee members are voted in by our membership for 1-year terms.

Craig O'Halloran, President
Craig O'Halloran

Originally from: Shankill, Dublin

Craig O'Halloran brings a wealth of professional experience and a passion for fostering community to his new role. Craig is a Design Manager at the world's most influential architecture and design firm, Gensler. In addition to co-managing a workplace studio, he leads the firm's Professional Services Practice Area for the region. Craig's work has taken him all over the world, with his contribution to the repositioning of Chicago's Willis Tower as a standout career highlight.

Hailing from Shankill, Dublin and a DIT Bolton Street alum, Craig arrived in Chicago in 2016 via London. You will find him all around Chicago trying out the latest restaurants and bars as well as playing and watching anything sport related.

Outgoing President Ruairí Barnwell stated, “I could not be more confident in the future of Ireland Network Chicago with Craig on board as our new President. There are so many exciting things on the horizon and with the support of our Executive Committee, Advisory Board, newly-appointed Treasurer Laura Clancy, and Executive Director Margaret Rose Keating, Craig is the perfect candidate to lead Ireland Network’s mission and vision for the next two years.”

Craig's commitment to Ireland Network Chicago is fueled by his dedication to strengthening connections within the Irish community. Under his leadership, the network aims to continue its mission of making connections, supporting community, and celebrating Irish culture and heritage in Chicago - the crossroads of Irish America.

Laura Clancy, Treasurer
LauraClancy
Originally from: Co. Clare, Ireland
 
Laura is a proud Clare woman having grown up in the picturesque village of Kildysart. She has family ties to Beverly and always loves visiting the Southside. She graduated from The University of Limerick with a Bachelor's degree in Business with French. Laura then went on to train as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in Dublin before relocating to Chicago in 2020. She is currently a Financial Controller with Glanbia Nutritionals in downtown Chicago, working in their Accounting & Control function. 

Laura is passionate about community and seeing women succeed in business. She got involved with the INC through the Women in Business Forum and took great pride in being part of that event. She is delighted to be joining the INC committee, and looking forward to helping this wonderful organization thrive.
Dean Arrowsmith
DeanArrowsmith-1

Originally from: Dundalk, Co Louth

Dean Arrowsmith hails from Dundalk, Co Louth (via Cavan) currently works at Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer as Manager of Soccer In The Community. With 17 years experience in the professional sports industry that began with his hometown club Dundalk FC, he has become a leader in building programming that utilizes sport to impact local communities and create club/community relations.

Dean is also a keen mental health advocate and fundraiser and in 2020, founded Head In The Game, a mental health sports advocacy group which has gained international recognition. Dean now resides in North Riverside with his wife Emily and Daughter Fiadh. In his spare time, Dean is a keen runner and often uses his running to raise funds for parental bereavement causes in memory of his first daughter, Charli Mae.

Gerry Brett
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Originally from: Oak Park, IL
 
Gerry Brett is originally from Oak Park, IL, and moved to Rockport, Texas in the 4th grade. He earned a Marketing Degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio while playing real football. Shortly thereafter, he bought a pickup truck, filled it up and headed back to Chicagoland. 
 
For twenty years, he worked a variety of roles in retail banking. For the past three years, he has been protecting people's assets as an insurance specialist and helps people make savvy financial decisions as a wealth advisor. He is an Irish citizen and his grandparents hail from Mayo, Limerick, & Dublin.

In spare time, he enjoys playing and watching sports. He currently resides with his wife Maria & six children in Edison Park. He is serving as player/commissioner for the St. Paul of the Cross Men's Club basketball squad. He enjoys volunteering with the Big Shoulders Fund, Mission of Our Lady of Angels, and the Skokie Rotary Club.
Thomas Carmody
ThomasCarmody
What happens when an Irishman from Co. Clare and an Irish-American woman from the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago start a family? Well, they end up having 2 daughters and then you get Thomas. Thomas is a relatively new member of the executive committee who volunteers his INC efforts to creating Instagram and TikTok reels for posting on Social Media. 

He has always had an immense interest in photo and video editing since he was 13 years old and continues to sharpen his skills each day. In school, Thomas was really involved in Theater which sparked his interest for the production of the theater stage and behind the scenes activity of the film/tv scene. He hopes to one day have a career related to television and film production and be known for his talents, whether that be for media or his outgoing personality.

Thomas graduated in May of 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Management but is currently employed as a Concierge Doorman for residential high-rise apartment buildings around the city of Chicago. In his free time, you’ll find Thomas watching movies or playing video games.

 

Pat Carr
PatCarr
Pat Carr is the Village Manager/CEO for the Village of Tinley Park a suburb of Chicago. He has been with Tinley Park since 2005 where he previously led Public Safety and Homeland Security efforts for a community of 60,000 residents. Pat is a retired Air Force Major with 23 years of service. In addition to his military experience, he has held company leadership positions in operations and sales. For the past 25 years he has overseen the military aircraft ground operations and logistics for the Chicago Air Show. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in aviation management and a Master's Degree in public administration from Lewis University. Pat resides in Tinley Park with his wife Aine and has 3 grown children (Patrick, Declan and Caroline). In his spare time he enjoys golf, college football and travel to Ireland.
Ellen Convery
Ellen Convery

Originally from: Crossgar, Co. Down, Ireland

From Crossgar, Co. Down, Ireland, Ellen is a proud alumnus from Queen's University Belfast, holding a degree in Food Science and a Masters in Marketing. Relocating to Chicago in 2021 to pursue a career in Marketing. Ellen works at UPshow, a leading on-premise advertising and marketing solution for business.
 
Outside of the office, Ellen has a passion for travelling and exploring new establishments as well as checking out the music scene around different Chicago neighborhoods, embracing every opportunity to connect with people around Chicago.
 
Ellen first became involved with the Ireland Network as a member in 2019 and is thrilled to continue to play an active role on the IN committee, creating a warm and welcoming space for fellow Irish expats and locals alike!

 

Rory Convery

Rory Convery

Originally from Belfast, Co. Antrim

From Belfast, Co. Antrim with family ties to Co. Derry and Co. Fermanagh, Rory grew up in Dubai, U.A.E. He moved to the U.S. in 2009 to attend the University of Notre Dame before moving to Chicago in 2013 to attend Loyola University Chicago School of Law. A member of the Ireland Network since 2013, he joined the Executive Committee in 2020. He is an attorney in the General Counsel’s Office of RSM US LLP specializing in Privacy Law. A rugby man, Rory played for the University of Notre Dame and continues to spend his summers playing for their alumni 7’s team the Krakens. Rory frequently travels back to Ireland to spend time with his family and attend Ireland and Ulster rugby matches.

 

Frank Cosgrave

FrankCosgrave

Originally from: Co. Mayo, Ireland

Originally from County Mayo, Ireland, Frank Cosgrave relocated to the US in 2013. As an Account Manager at EOS IT Solutions, he has demonstrated a high level of technical sales expertise and a strong commitment to securing optimal deals for his global customers. Frank's experience in IT sales and negotiation, combined with his adept problem-solving skills, ensures clients consistently achieve the best possible outcomes.

His perspective, shaped by both his Irish heritage and his professional journey, adds a unique and beneficial dimension to his contributions. Frank lives in La Grange with his wife Jane and their two children, Mia and Darragh.

Julianne Cox
JuliannCox-1

Originally from: Listowel, County Kerry

Julianne is the Director for Business Development at Invest Northern Ireland. Her role involves working closely with companies in the Chicago area and across the Midwest that are considering setting up an office in the UK or Europe, to complement their existing US operations.

Julianne grew up in Listowel, County Kerry but also has strong ties to County Roscommon.  Her husband, Martin, is also from Listowel and they moved to Chicago together in 2017. Julianne attended Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University, Belfast.

Julianne is mom to Layla (4) and Adelina (2) and spends all her time outside of work at playparks, ice skate lessons, swim and gymnastics. Bringing her little girls back to Ireland to see family is very important to Julianne and they get back to Ireland at least 3 times a year.

Bryan Fahy
BryanFahy

Originally from: Salthill, Galway

Bryan is originally from Salthill, Galway, Ireland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law, Sociology, and Politics from the University of Galway, Ireland, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Colorado State University Global. Bryan has extensive experience in commercial real estate, having most recently managed the MTA's commercial real estate portfolio in Manhattan and the Bronx as an Account Manager at Greystone Management Solutions. Previously, he was a Business Development Representative for the Celtic Irish American Academy and a Manager at Allied Management Inc.

After living in NYC for 10 years, he moved to Chicago with his 10-month-old son Matthew, his wife Jeanette, and dog Scout. Currently, Bryan works for the Lawless family in Chicago. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, running marathons, and staying active. 

 

Kristen Field
Kristen Field
Kristen Field is thrilled to be active in the Chicago Irish American community including serving on the Executive Committee of The Ireland Network Chicago, as a member of Old St. Patrick's Church & Crossroads Marathoner. Through her Southside Irish roots, Kristen also spent time serving on the board of the Young Irish Fellowship Club and the Ireland Funds Young Leaders Board. 

Professionally, Kristen currently serves as the Executive Director of Friends of Prentice committed to superior healthcare spanning the full spectrum of a woman’s life. Through her extensive work in community engagement & public service, Kristen's clients have included EA to Sipi Metals CEO, New Coast Foundation, Lincoln Park Community Services, The Women's Justice Institute, serving as the Chief of Staff to Lifeway Foods CEO & as Director of Expansion for Step Up. Previously, Kristen worked as Director of Finance & Campaign Manager for an Aldermanic Election in Chicago's 38th Ward. Kristen also served the U.S. national non-profit, Step Up as Senior Manager for Member Programs working extensively in strategic partnerships, fundraising, events, community relations, professional development, all while supporting high school girls from under-resourced communities become confident, college bound, & career-focused. As a graduate student, she partnered as outreach/development intern at a HIV/AIDS clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, completed The Program for Management: Community & Voluntary Services at All Hallows College in Dublin & conducted her Capstone volunteering/researching in Haiti post 2010 earthquake. Kristen began her career as an Educational Leadership Consultant for Delta Zeta.

Kristen holds a MS in Public Service Management from DePaul University, Non-Profit Certificate from University of Notre Dame, & BS in Political Science & Pre-Law from Eastern Illinois University. Kristen’s passion is social justice & advocates for peace, healthcare, & equality especially concerning women, children & refugees. In late 2020, Kristen was named 26 Most Influential Chicagoans for her extensive contributions to the community. 

 

Connor Kelly
ConnorKelly

Originally from: Chicago

Connor is a lifelong Chicagoan who enjoys celebrating his Irish heritage through volunteer organizations like the Ireland Network. He currently lives in the Pilsen neighborhood, but spends plenty of time in Beverly, where he grew up and many of his friends and family call home. Connor has worked in the special event/hospitality industry for over 15 years, playing a part in many of Chicago's largest and premier events including the Chicago Marathon, Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, and the Cub’s and Blackhawk’s victory parades/rallies. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Director of Media Logistics on the Venue Operations team for Democratic National Convention Committee. 

 

Meghan Lee

Meghan Lee

Originally from: Glen Ellyn, IL

Meghan Lee has been on the Ireland Network committee since 2021, focusing on branding development and membership growth. Over the years, she has been involved with Chicago's Irish-American non-profit community in a variety of roles, including President of the Young Irish Fellowship Club, Volunteer and Graphic Designer for the Irish American Heritage Center, Graphic Designer for the Irish Fellowship Club, and Steering Committee/Gala Chair for The Ireland Funds-Chicago Young Leaders. She is passionate about donating her time and talent to organizations whose missions align with her values, and about making long-lasting connections with people in the Irish-American community of Chicago. 

Professionally, Meghan is Creative Director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, where she oversees all creative work across the Y’s brand, campaigns, and marketing and communications. She has more than 20 years experience as a graphic designer, and brings a well-rounded and strategic approach to branding. Over her career, she has designed for B2B and B2C clients including Vaughan Hospitality Group and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, as well as financial services, real estate, and healthcare industries. Meghan’s branding expertise is executed in projects such as logo design, identity development, brochures, advertising, direct mail, newsletters and website design, and shares her experience to help raise awareness and grow the Ireland Network. 

Dylan Maloney
DylanMaloney

Originally from: Chicago

I have lived in Chicago for most of my life, with the exception of going away for school which admittedly wasn't all that far away.  I've been called a homebody because of that, but don't know if I necessarily identify as one.  Nevertheless, it's tough to argue against the evidence.  I guess I'd say Chicago hasn't given me any reason to leave yet. 

I've got Irish ancestry on both sides of my family as both my parents are half-Irish.  My mom says that just shows you that the Irish will breed with anybody, but I'd like to think it's more of an inherent acceptance.  I've always had a great appreciation of my Irish heritage and later this summer, I plan to make my first pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle so any travel advice is appreciated. 

As far as work, I pretend to be an electrical engineer most days: I've been fooling them thus far and hopefully will continue to do so.  I come from a line of blue-collar workers (on both sides) and my goal is to make their jobs a bit easier where I can, while making the world an easier place to live in.

Again, I'm excited to be here and hope to help build a community where Irish-Americans feel more connected to their Irish roots and visitors from Ireland can have a little slice of home across the pond.  Thanks for your time!

 

Brendan McNulty
BrendanMcNulty-1
Originally From: Palatine, IL 
 
Brendan McNulty is a first-generation Irish American with deep roots in Ireland, spanning across Grange (Co. Sligo), Beaufort (Co. Kerry), Ballyshannon (Co. Donegal) and Belleek (Co. Fermanagh). His connection to his heritage is further enriched by his five-year stint living in a quaint village in Garrison, Co. Fermanagh. During this time, he participated in the Rose of Tralee festival as an International Escort in 2012, blending his love for community involvement with his cultural ties.  
 
He has earned bachelors degree from Northern Illinois University in Marketing & Sales and Graduate degree from Atlantic Technological University Sligo in Marketing. 
 
Now based in Chicago (Logan Square) Brendan works for his family owned logistics business and leads a social athletic club, fostering connections and promoting an active lifestyle. He enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and his close-knit Irish family. Brendan's life reflects his cultural pride, community engagement, and love for adventure.
Rory Mone
RoryMone
Originally from: Clontibret, Co. Monaghan 
 
Rory Mone is a Real Estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway. He has more than 20 years experience with real estate and construction of investment properties. He is originally from Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, Ireland and has been living in the U.S. for 21 years. He is very passionate about all types of sports and a huge fan of the GAA, where he played for the Monaghan county. Rory also played rugby with the Southside Irish Rugby Club. Rory enjoys exploring the world with his wife, Nathalie who is originally from Brazil.

 

Brighde Mulholland
Brighde Mulholland
Originally from: Rostrevor, Co. Down
 
Brighde is a Principal kdb Developer at First Derivative, based in Newry, Northern Ireland, which is a data analysis software developer and vendor and is currently onsite in the Chicago Merchantile Exchange (CME). She joined the company 9 years ago after graduating from Queens in Belfast with a bachelor in Maths with Statistics and has previously worked in London, Dublin, Newry and Singapore. 
 
Brighde first spent time in the US at the College of St Benedict in Central Minnesota for a year in 2013. She returned to Chicago for a short-term project with work in 2019 and left in early March 2020, not realising at the time it would be 2 years before she would be back.
 
Brighde is part of the strong Co. Down contingent on the committee (Up Down!) and is looking forward to her third year on the events sub-committee, which has been great training for planning her upcoming wedding.
Cahir O'Doherty

CahirOdoherty

Hometown: Derry, N. Ireland

Cahir O'Doherty is the Director of Digital Marketing & Channel Strategy at Ricoh, overseeing web development teams across North America. He brings nearly two decades of experience in digital marketing and technology to his role.

He earned an honors degree from the University of Liverpool and a Master of Science from the University of Ulster. Originally from Derry, Ireland, Cahir has lived in Chicago since 2016. In his free time, he enjoys life in Beverly with his wife Meghan and their three young boys.

David O'Flaherty

DavidOFlaherty

Originally from: Dublin, Ireland
 
David, originally from Dublin, studied Sports Science at TUD and subsequently went on to obtain a master’s in Business & Management from Trinity College Dublin. David joined Enterprise Ireland as a graduate in 2016 and has held a number of positions across the organization over the past eight years in advisory, marketing and communications and project management. In 2021, David took up the role of VP Food & Beverage FDI for North America with EI and relocated to Chicago. Since moving to Chicago, David has benefited greatly from joining the Ireland Network and is looking forward to contributing to the committee this year.

 

 

David Sellars

DavidSellars-FPO

Originally from: East Dundee, IL 

David is thrilled to be nominated to the Ireland Network Chicago Executive Committee for 2024-2025.  

David is the grandson of Robert & Patricia Flood.  They first introduced him to Ireland in the summer of 1997 where he traveled to the Emerald Isle with his grandparents and mother Colleen for the very first time.  It was on that trip where the love affair officially began. 

In 2001, David attended the Institute of Public Administration in Dublin, Ireland for a semester where he studied Irish politics and had an internship with John Perry, TD for Fine Gael party. 

Professionally, David is an Enterprise Sales Director at Everest Transportation Systems where he specializes in providing carrier capacity for drayage moves and full truckload shipments throughout the US and Canada.  He has held this role for almost 20 years with 3 different organizations during that time period.

During the summer months, you can catch David at Wrigley Field cheering on his beloved Cubs team or at a city street fest taking in the beautiful Chicago summer weather. He loves to travel and spend time with his 2 nephews and niece. 

Dylan Sheahan

DylanSheehan

Originally from: Killarney, Co. Kerry

Born in Chicago and raised in Killarney, Co. Kerry, I have always had a deep connection to both places. After studying Economics & Business at Trinity College Dublin, I chose to settle back in Chicago.

I currently work in the financial software space as a Business Analyst, where I provide data driven insights into various aspects of the business to inform strategy and improve internal processes.

As a new Dad, I enjoy the waking up in the early hours of the morning to change diapers and watch rugby with my future rugby player. Growing up, I gained experience working in several family businesses, including the Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company back home, and a number of Irish bars and restaurants here in the city. This instilled a passion for hospitality and service in me.

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Ireland Network Chicago and to connect with the vibrant Irish community in our city. I look forward to applying my skillset to further the impact of the network. I’m excited to see what we can do together. Sláinte! 

Ashley Summers-Baker

AshleySummers-baker

Originally from: Vancouver, BC Canada

Ashley Summers-Baker is a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at BMO US. Leveraging twenty years of experience in education, she focuses on partnering with community organizations to bridge the knowledge gap in financial education throughout Chicagoland. From enhancing employee benefits to supporting non-profit members and aspiring entrepreneurs, Ashley serves as an educator and advocate in this purpose-driven work.

Raised in Vancouver, BC Canada, Ashley has strong familial ties to Strabane in County Tyrone and obtained Irish citizenship in 2007. She relocated to the US to earn a Master of Music Degree from Indiana University and, drawn to Chicago's vibrant arts community, moved here shortly after. She currently resides with husband Chris and their beloved miniature schnauzer, Ùna, in Roscoe Village.

In addition to staying connected to her musical roots and community impact work, Ashley is a DE&I leader at BMO. She serves as the Co-Chair for BMO Alliance for Women's Illinois Chapter and is a National Board Lead in Communications. She loves to spend her spare time studying Irish and planning annual visits to Ireland to enjoy Dublin, Belfast, and beyond.

Jackie Theodore
JackieTheodore
Originally from: Hinsdale, IL
 
Jackie is a committee member of the Ireland Network of Chicago, residing in the northside of Chicago. With a deep love for all things Irish, Jackie actively engages in community initiatives, charity work, and cultural events that celebrate the rich Irish heritage in the Windy City.

With over two decades of experience as a Senior Project Manager overseeing intricate building projects, Jackie has seamlessly transitioned into her current role as the Director of Operations for Custom Home Care, LLC, a distinguished home health care agency serving the Chicago area.

Throughout her extensive career, Jackie has honed her project management skills, ensuring the successful execution of complex building endeavors. Her keen attention to detail, strategic planning, and leadership have been instrumental in delivering high-quality outcomes in the construction and project management realms.

Jackie's professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to navigating the complexities of project management. Her adeptness at handling diverse challenges in the construction field has seamlessly translated into her role in the healthcare sector.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jackie is an avid enthusiast of live music, frequently immersing herself in the vibrant music scene that Chicago has to offer. She also holds a strong affinity for Fighting Illini sports, passionately cheering on her favorite collegiate team.
 
With a warm and friendly demeanor, Jackie exemplifies the spirit of the Ireland Network of Chicago, constantly striving to promote Irish culture, strengthen community ties, and create memorable experiences for members and the wider Chicago community.

 

Mark Weir
MarkWeir
Originally from: Gurnee, IL
 
Mark is originally from Gurnee IL but has lived in Chicago since 2007. He graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Construction Management in 2007. Upon graduation he started working at Kelso-Burnett whom he interned with for two years prior. He now leads the Chicago office for Kelso-Burnett as a Branch Manager. Outside of work he likes to spend time with his wife Ciara (who hails from Dublin, Ireland) and his three daughters Maeve, Eabha & Saibh. When he takes a break from being a girl dad, you can find him at the golf course (usually with clients!), Ice Hockey rink or out west snowboarding!

Advisory Board

Our volunteer-based Advisory Board promotes our mission and ensures a long-term strategic vision for INC. Members include current INC officers, past Presidents, Consulate officers, leaders in Chicagoland business, political, cultural, academic and non-profit communities, as well as leaders within and outside the Chicago Irish community. Advisory Board members are nominated and approved internally for 2-year terms.

Orla Castanien

Orla Castanien

Orla is an executive coach and leadership consultant passionate about empowering leaders to maximize performance, achieve results and bring more of who they truly are to their careers. Twenty years of leadership in finance, operations and strategy allow for a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to navigating organizational change and leadership development. Orla has become a trusted partner to executives in creating solutions for career and organizational challenges. In addition to individualized coaching Orla is a skilled facilitator working with executive teams to achieve team alignment, resolve conflict and successfully lead their organizations through change. Orla specializes in working with leaders to enhance executive presence, improve communication, navigate inter-personal issues and create followership through building trust and credibility. 

Orla received her accounting and consulting training at Deloitte and went on to hold leadership positions in finance, strategic planning and non-profits both in Ireland and the U.S. Orla is an adoptive mom active in educating herself in the challenges of being a transracial family, a keen advocate for DEI education to provide leaders with concrete, measurable actions to create a more inclusive culture.

Garrett Diamond

Garrett Diamond

Originally from Co. Meath, Garrett has lived in Chicago on and off for nearly 15 years. A DIT hospitality and Tourism Graduate, Garrett initially spent a number of years in the hotel and bar business in Chicago. He is now working as a Sales and Business Development Representative for Stuart Dean Company in Facilities Services. Garrett spends his time living in Oak Park with his wife Katie and three children, Ciara, Liam and Fiona. He also is a member of the local AOH Chicago Branch.

Ken Dooley

Dooley-Ken

A native of Ireland, Ken received a degree in business and finance from Trinity College, Dublin. Ken spent several years in the English and Irish Banking industry prior to immigrating to Chicago in 1994. After a number of years working in banking, Ken made the transition into real estate in 2000 and is one of Chicago’s most sought after real estate professionals–consistently ranked among the top 1% of Brokers for closed transactions by the Chicago Association of Realtors.

 

Imelda Gallagher

ImeldaGallagher-1

Imelda grew up in Galway and lived in Dublin, qualifying as a Barrister, before returning to her native Chicago. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and is responsible for Project Operations in a design engineering company that specializes in building fiber networks for internet connectivity to businesses and residences nationally.

Imelda served on the IN Committee for over 10 years and held the offices of IN President, Treasurer and Secretary at various times during that time before becoming an IN Advisory Board Member.

Edward Galvin

EdwardGalvin

Edward Galvin is a responsible for North America  B2B  Commercial Payments Sales at Visa.   This role involves working consultatively with card issuing partners to grow Large & middle market commercial card portfolios and to ensure the optimal deployment of Visa solutions to support both the card issuer and end corporate needs. 

In prior roles at Visa, Edward has been responsible for US Large Market product setting the strategy and executing on commercial product initiatives to grow the large market segment.   He has also managed the Engagement and Expansion team for Visa Business Solutions in Europe.   Edward initiated his career working as a Management Consultant for Deloitte in London, UK. Prior to joining Visa, Edward held a Sales Consulting position with First Data. 

Edward graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters of Science degrees (Accounting, Finance & Information) from University College Cork, Ireland.  Edward is an avid marathoner and runs an annual 26.2! He is an active mentor and a certified Co-Active Leadership coach.  Currently Edward mentors with American Corporate Partners supporting veterans transition to careers post their service.  Edward is a champion if Irish American community activities via his role on the IN Advisory Board and he is President of the Chicago Irish Film Festival.

Clodagh Lawless

ClodaghLawless

“Whether we like it or not, it’s in our blood,” exclaims Clodagh Lawless, Partner at Chicago’s beloved restaurant The Dearborn.  For the Irish-born entrepreneur, a deep-rooted love of genuine Irish hospitality evolved naturally as her true calling.  
 
At a very young age, Lawless engrossed herself in the meaningfulness of their family’s trade at her parent’s popular restaurants and hotel in Galway, Ireland. There she got her hands wet washing dishes, tending bar, and assisting wherever necessary. Yet in an effort to forge her own identity, she attended the National University of Ireland Galway and focused on economics and Spanish before graduating as Valedictorian of her Masters cohort at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. 
 
A visit to the States in the late 90’s would change everything for Lawless and for her family, pulling her back to restaurant life. After spending a summer at a pub in suburban Chicago, Lawless returned to Galway to convince her parents and siblings to sell everything and follow her abroad to Chicago. They did just that and opened The Irish Oak in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, where Clodagh—fresh off a post-graduate degree in sales and marketing—found her place shouldering much of the pub’s operations and administrative duties. 
 
Lawless would then assist in the opening of other acclaimed family-run venues The Gage and Henri (later to become Acanto), located in a prime downtown location on Michigan Avenue. Although she helped in all facets of the restaurants’ day-to-day tasks, she spent this portion of her career refining her understanding of Chicago’s elevated, chef-driven dining landscape. 
 
Lawless soon became restless. In 2016, she set off to open The Dearborn, an ambitious venture in the city’s downtown Loop neighborhood at the corner of Dearborn and Randolph streets, with her sister Amy.  
 
Opening a restaurant with a sibing is a special, if not complicated, venture.  
 
Only three years apart in age, the two forged a close professional bond through a uniquely camaraderous approach. “Working with my sister is a dream,” remarks Lawless. She attributes the strong professional bond to complete honesty and shared vision.  At the beginning of their business relationship, each addressed respective strengths and weaknesses, sensitivities, and areas where the other excels.  They designed a unique approach based on a strong division of responsibilities that matched their personalities and contributions.   

“Every day I am guided by the passion and purpose of the people that work for us. It is inspiring.  From chef to GM to bartender to our bussers to all those far more talented than me, it’s humbling,” shares Lawless.   

Clodagh lives in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, where she, her two young sons Jack and Gavin, cheer on the Chicago Cubs with dad Colm.  
 
After all of these years, Lawless was proud to be naturalized recently as a United States citizen. Clodagh, alongside sister Amy, was also honored recently as the outstanding Professional in Restaurant and Hospitality by the Professional Irish Women of Chicago. She serves on the Executive Board of the Illinois Restaurant Association and also serves on the Advisory Board of the Ireland Network Chicago.
 
“I believe in genuine kindness -- as the best strategy in life and in business,” remarks Lawless. “While it may sound cliche, I cannot imagine a future without it.” 

Vice Consul Pádraig Manning

PadraigManning

Pádraig Mannin is the Vice Consul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago.
 
Pádraig first joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in 2019, working in the Embassy of Ireland in London. He then worked in the Irish Department of Education, before returning to the Department of Foreign Affairs to take up the role of Third Secretary in 2021.
 
In Dublin, Pádraig was assigned to the Ireland, UK, and Americas Division, where he worked on the Irish Government's response to Brexit, North South cooperation, and the Shared Island Initiative.
 
Before joining the civil service, Pádraig worked in the European headquarters of an American e-commerce company in his native Cork.
 
He holds a BA from University College Cork and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

 

Ray McEntee

RayMcEntee

Ray McEntee, a licensed U.S. attorney and qualified solicitor in Ireland, England, and Wales, leads the Sports and Entertainment Department at McEntee Law Group. He advises on visa and green card options for professionals in these industries and assists clients in obtaining Irish citizenship through foreign birth registration.

Brian Moore
Brian has been a member of the Ireland Network since its inception and is a past president. He works in Corporate Finance at Exelon (parent company of ComEd) and lives with his wife Sheila, in Lincoln Park and they have three children Dylan (23), Julia (20) and Olivia (18).
Denis Neville

DenisNeville

Denis Neville is founder and CEO of CoreFX Ingredients LLC, a company specializing in the development of disruptive turnkey Health through Nutrition ingredient solutions to “nourish and nurture bodies and minds”. Foundational to the business is the ability to design functional, convenient and holistic ingredient solutions that work great, taste great and satisfy consumers’ needs for natural, organic, plant-forward, better-for-you and wellness when applied in nutraceutical, functional food/beverages, supplements and mainstream food and beverage. 
With a M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, Denis has led commercial and technical development roles covering international food and beverage industries for over 23 years. Prior to CoreFX, Denis was the Vice President of Commercial & Technical Development at MCT Dairies. In this role, Denis founded and grew CoreFX Ingredients. His previous positions include Commercial Director with Kerry Ingredients and Flavors in the US and Business Manager at Ornua, Ireland and the US. Denis’ business philosophy is built around thought leadership, building and leading based on purpose and always growing through creativity and innovation.
Donal O'Brien

Donal O'Brien

Donal O’Brien was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.  He attended University College Dublin before emigrating to the United States.  He is a partner at the law firm of Bryan Cave Leigton Paiser, LLP where he focuses on mergers and acquisitions and corporate law.  He also teaches corporate law at Loyola University Chicago, School of Law.

 

Garrett Sheridan

 

garrett sheridan_circleGarrett Sheridan is CEO of Lotis Blue Consulting and specializes in working with leaders to develop and execute strategies that drive profitable growth and improve execution. Originally from Dublin, Garrett is a founding member of the Ireland Network.

Niamh Whelan-Reiter

Niamh Whelan-Reiter

Niamh leads North America Marketing at Avanade where bringing focus, creativity and the art of storytelling to help drive growth and business results. With a 25+ career that spans Ireland, France and the United States, Niamh is passionate about helping organizations tap into the power of marketing and communications to drive brand awareness, business value and results. Holds a BS in Business & Marketing Management from Trinity College Dublin.


Executive Director

The part-time Executive Director leads communications and membership engagement strategies to ensure the professional development and organizational growth of Ireland Network Chicago. 

Margaret Rose Keating Mungari

MargaretRoseKeating

Margaret has been a member of INC for 10 years prior to her appointment as Executive Director. She is the second executive director in the 20-year history of the Chicago chapter.

Margaret is an executive support professional specializing in strategic communications, programming and thought leadership with proven success across public, private and non-profit sectors. Her career includes positions in Municipal Government, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and American Airlines. She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Margaret also represented Chicago in the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Festival.

Margaret is married to her husband Nick and lives on the Northwest Side of Chicago with their two children, Rose and Nicholas, and is a proud first-generation Irish American.

Contact Margaret directly here.