Julie Silke Daly joined Ability West as Interim Chief Executive Officer in January 2024. She brings to the organisation strong managerial experience, strategic vision, sound judgement, ability to make quick and appropriate decisions, with proven leadership ability. Originally Julie started her career as a Registered Nurse, with Postgraduate qualifications in neuroscience, intensive care, gerontology and infection prevention control. She has completed further education in employment law and holds an MBA in healthcare management. She has led multi-disciplinary teams through intense change, working as Clinical Nurse Manager in intensive care and as a Director of Nursing in Older Persons Sacred Heart Roscommon and Manager of Older Person Services Mayo, Roscommon, Galway. When the crisis in Áras Attracta occurred, Julie was appointed to lead the changes required and transition the persons that were supported to a community setting, and ensure the service was safe and compliant with regulations which was all successfully achieved. During the Covid pandemic Julie led on clinical supports for Community Healthcare West and following the pandemic worked in conjunction with Area Director of Public Health in delivering the reform programme in Public Health.

John McHugo is Director of Finance with Ability West and has been employed by the organisation since 1989. He qualified as an accountant in 1985. He has responsibility for all financial functions across the organisation. He is a Director of the Board of Link (Galway) Limited and is also a Director of the Board of Employability Galway. Additionally, in his spare time, John is actively involved in various sporting and community development organisations focused on supporting and developing communities in Co. Galway and specifically in Southeast Galway where he lives.

Bryan Gallagher has worked as the Director of Clinical Supports and Services at Ability West since December 2022, where he is responsible for managing and coordinating Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Services, as well as driving service development initiatives. His prior experience includes management roles within the HSE Disability Services in the CHO4 region. Bryan has developed a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances within Social Care and within the changing environment of Disability Services in Ireland. Bryan has strong commitment and focus to person-centred services, continuous service improvement, and collaborative teamwork to ensure the best outcomes for all the people we support in Ability West.

Cristina Mendes joined Ability West as Director of Human Resources in January 2023 with overall responsibility for the organisation’s HR operational and strategic direction. She has over 20 years’ human resources experience, including recruitment, talent management, conflict resolution, change management, training and development, employee relations and performance management. The last five years since moving to Ireland Cristina has worked for non-profit organisations focusing on homelessness and older people services. She is a strong advocate for change and staff wellbeing.

Claire McGinley joined Ability West as a Service Improvement lead in March 2024 before becoming the Director of Quality, Risk, Compliance and Nursing in July 2024.

Claire started her Nursing career working In an Ear Nose and Throat unit in the UK, and then continued on to work in Intensive Care, Dialysis, and Pain Management before returning to Ireland in 2000. In Ireland, she returned to work in Intensive Care as a Practice Development Co-ordinator and as a Clinical Nurse Manager. Claire completed a H. Dip in Palliative Care while working at Galway Hospice and went onto become the Director of Quality and Operations.

Clare also completed a Graduate Diploma in Healthcare (Risk Management & Quality Management) and an M.Sc. in Healthcare Management & Organisation.  During the Covid pandemic Claire worked as a Director of Nursing in Older Persons Services following which she worked with HIQA as an Inspector - Older Persons services.

Clare O’Dowd commenced with Ability West in August 2024 as Director of Operations. Clare is passionate about contributing to positive outcomes for the children and adults we support and staff members. Respect and effective communication - these are key values that will retain and motivate people in times of change and uncertainty. Clare is responsible for the leadership, development and strategic direction of Ability West’s Operational Supports and Services. With more than 30 years’ experience in the Disability Services she has held various roles working directly with children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities.

Prior to joining Ability West, Clare initially qualified as a Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disability and continued her academic journey by obtaining a Batchelor of Arts degree in Social Care, a Diploma in Management and Employee Relations before completing her Post Graduate Diploma in Quality and Safety.