|
Mike Burke,
CEO Mike graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) in 1989 and has specialized in pig medicine for over 30 years. Mike joined Vets Without Borders Ireland as a volunteer in 2004... read more
delivering pig husbandry courses to farmers in Malawi and Kosovo. Inspired by the positive impact on these communities, Mike has been deeply involved with Vets Without Borders Ireland over the years, taking on increasing responsibility to grow the impact of the organisation through collaborative projects with NGO's. An enthusiastic cyclist, Mike has led an annual fundraising cycle in aid of Vets Without Borders since 2005, helping raise over €300,000 for various projects. He currently serves as the CEO of Vets Without Borders, Ireland and continues to drive the organization's mission forward. |
|
Rebecca Reynolds,
Head of Strategic Development Rebecca has over twenty years’ experience working across the SME, Multinational and Not- for-Profit sectors and is skilled in strategic management, project management, team management, fundraising, marketing, communications and development. Read more
Prior to joining Vets Without Borders Ireland, Rebecca was Development and Marketing Director at Butler Gallery, a leading contemporary Arts organisation in Ireland and a former Senior Manager with Focus Ireland, Ireland’s leading Homeless Charity. Rebecca has expertise in Change Management, CSR and Corporate expertise. Rebecca has an MA in Arts & Heritage Management from Waterford Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Marketing & Strategic Management from Dublin Institute of Technology and Trinity College. |
|
Ciarán Göbl MVB PGDipVEPH, appointed Chair 2020.
Ciarán Göbl qualified as a veterinarian from UCD in 2007 and has gathered a breadth of experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors. REad more
He became involved with Vets Without Borders Ireland after he was awarded the Mike O'Leary bursary in 2006, which enabled him to work on livestock projects in eastern Uganda. In 2008, he was appointed Director of Operations in Nepal overseeing the livestock development programme in the Kaski district. Ciarán has been an active member on the Board of Directors since 2014 and was elected chairperson in 2020. |
|
Paula Connolly, appointed 2019.
Paula Connolly began her career in international import/export of raw materials and finished goods. In 2000, Paula joined Concern Worldwide as Volunteer administrator in Kosovo, but quickly moved into logistics, organizing and overseeing the distribution of emergency roofing materials to more than 5,000 families in remote villages. read more
During the past 20+ years, Paula has worked in South Sudan, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, which at the time were countries in active conflict or immediately post conflict. She has also worked in Mozambique, Uganda, Nepal and has held positions that ranged from Logistics Coordinator to Country Director. Presently, Paula is the Operations Director with the Emergency SURGE Team for Concern Worldwide. In this position, she responds to rapid onset emergencies and develops organizational capacity by filling the gap where experienced staff is needed in emergency or non-emergency programs. Over the past number of years she has had assignments in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Turkiye, Syria & Sudan. |
|
Eamonn O’Sullivan, appointed 2024.
Eamonn O’Sullivan joined the board of Vets Without Borders Ireland in 2024. Eamonn is a Key Account Manager for Zoetis, a world leading animal health company. read more
His work brings him to Vets and Veterinary practices all over Ireland and he adds a wealth of industry expertise and knowledge to Vets Without Borders Ireland. Eamonn is a keen outdoor and nature enthusiast and passionate about helping developing communities improve their circumstances through better animal care. |
|
Dr. Eithne Leahy, BA, DVM, MSc (One Health), appointed 2018.
Dr. Eithne Leahy is a dedicated mixed-veterinary practitioner and One Health researcher with a passion for advancing animal and human health through integrated, sustainable approaches. Over the past 15 years, she has worked both nationally and internationally with different animal health organisations, including her role as a consultant with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya. REad More
Her work in resource-limited settings has focused on critical issues such as mitigating food safety risks in informal markets and exploring pathways of zoonotic disease transmission at the human-animal interface. Eithne’s research and her clinical work are deeply interconnected, she is a strong advocate for cross-sector collaboration among animal health stakeholders. She believes that meaningful, lasting improvements in animal welfare and public health depend on engaging local communities and understanding unique farming systems. In 2019, she received the ILRI Capacity Development Award for her efforts in translating complex research findings into practical, adaptable strategies for livestock keepers in low- and middle-income countries. |
|
Seamus Hoey, appointed 2023.
Séamus Hoey is a board-certified veterinary radiologist. He graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) in 2007. After an equine internship at a small animal practice in Australia he undertook a four-year combined American and European residency at the University of Wisconsin. read more
After spending two years at the University of Zurich, he returned to UCD and is now an Associated Professor, as well as being a teleradiologist for VetCT. Séamus is passionate about teaching and helping graduates to be as prepared as they can for their first day in clinical practice. In Vets without Borders Ireland, Séamus is committed to advancing teaching and learning initiatives that support small-scale farmers in the daily care and management of their animals, with the aim of improving both animal welfare and farmers' livelihoods. |