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.

Mary Callanan has been the Director of Operational Supports and Services since January 2023. With over thirty years senior management experience in various sectors, Mary has worked in a senior operational management role with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland for the past five years. In 2022, Mary was the National Operations Manager for all the Alzheimer Society of Ireland services across Ireland.