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.

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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 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. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

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. 

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! 

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.