Staff Profiles
Michael Ludlow, Chief Executive
With responsibility for the strategic management of Meath Partnership, and the family of programmes and initiatives it runs throughout the county, Michael was appointed Chief Executive of Meath Partnership in May 2006. In addition to securing €12.75m under the LEADER Programme for investment in Co. Meath Michael led Meath Partnership in its success in securing substantial additional resources for local development in Meath through the LCDP and the EU Life Long Learning Initiatives managed by DG Education and culture at the EU Commission. Well known across Ireland for his previous work at both EU and national levels on behalf of the Irish Farmer's Association, Michael has served as National Chairperson of the Irish LEADER Network and is a National Council member of the successor organisation ILDN in which establishment he was deeply engaged.
Jennifer Land, Programme Manager
Jennifer joined Meath LEADER in April 2006 to progress the specific realities of establishing Meath Partnership under the Cohesion Process and went on to manage the MITE Project, an EU funded programme within the Company. Jennifer has now assumed responsibility for the new LCDP Programme and the management of the LEADER programme 2008 – 2013. Jennifer works closely with the staff team to deliver a comprehensive package of supports for disadvantaged communities, voluntary organisations and private enterprises throughout County Meath.
Martin Hill, Financial Officer
Martin joined Meath Partnership in 2004 with experience in a variety of roles in the banking sector. Martin is a member of the Institute of Accounting Technicians of Ireland and is a Certified Payroll Technician. Martin is responsible for financial management of the Local and Community Development Programme, Meath Volunteer Centre, Tús as well as financial reporting to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and Pobal. In addition to this, Martin also prepares the annual financial statements for the company auditors, maintains Companies Registration Office requirements and looks out for the team’s wellbing as Health and Safety Liaison Representative for Meath Partnership.
Emma Land, Financial Officer
Joining the company in June 2005, Emma was responsible for all of the administration and financial management elements of the MITE Project, with public funding of €1 million. Emma is now a senior Financial Officer within Meath Partnership with responsibility for the financial management of the Rural Development Programme, Labour Market Activation Fund and six EU Lifelong Learning Programme Projects. Emma liaises with the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the EU Commission regarding financial reporting and budgetary issues. Emma also co-ordinates the Rural Social Scheme within County Meath. With a degree in Communications, Emma is also qualified as a Certified Payroll and VAT Technician.
Ella Ennis, Human Resources and Training Officer
Ella joined Meath Partnership in 2006 to drive Human Resource development in-company as well as to mentor and support Micro Enterprises in Co. Meath. With a background in Human Resource Management and Consultancy, and qualifications in Business and Human Resources, Ella has a broad remit within the organisation as Human Resources and Training Officer. Ella is responsible for developing and implementing Human Resources policy, as well as providing a range of supports and services to individuals and businesses such as Meath Partnership’s Career Coaching Service, and Business Support Initiative. Ella coordinates and delivers training courses and has been instrumental in assisting the company in obtaining the FÁS Excellence Through People human resources standard.
Barbara Gaynor, Rural Social Scheme Supervisor
Barbara, a former participant on the Rural Social Scheme and native of Kingscourt, took on the position of RSS Supervisor in October 2007. She holds Certificates of Professional Competency in both Bus Passenger and Haulage for National and International Operations .Barbara has a keen interest in Health & Safety, Manual Handling and First Aid and is the resident qualified First Aider in Meath Partnership. She comes from a farming background and has a wide range of experience working with community projects. Barbara is responsible for the placement and supervision of participants to the Rural Social Scheme within a range of community supports and environmental care projects across County Meath.
Stephen Cousins, Meath Volunteer Centre Development Manager
Stephen joined Meath Volunteer Centre as acting Development Manager in February 2010. He has a degree in Business Studies, and further qualifications in strategic management and IT. Stephen has significant general management and marketing experience, with 20 years experience running various Small to Medium Commercial Enterprises. Stephen aims to further develop and promote volunteerism and provide volunteers with positive worthwhile experiences. His objective is to increase the impact and benefit of volunteers working in their local communities, support voluntary organisations in maximising the benefits of their volunteers’ efforts, and increase the Meath Volunteer Centre’s contribution to developing the community & voluntary sector throughout Meath.
Áine Duffy, RDP Projects Officer
Áine joined Meath Partnership in February 2010 as a Placement Officer with the Volunteer Centre. She holds a BA in Communication Studies and an MSc in Advertising. Áine has a background in advertising and previously managed the media strategy and planning for a national retail brand. Before joining the Volunteer Centre Áine worked on community development initiatives in Dublin and the Midlands. These projects were aimed at widening the participation of marginalised youths in higher education. In her role within the RDP Team, Áine is now focusing on strengthening the engagement with and promoting the LEADER programme throughout Co. Meath.
Lorraine Flynn, LCDP Projects Officer
As Projects Officer with the Local and Community Development Programme, Lorraine’s role in Meath Partnership is to work with local communities, state agencies, NGOs and social partners to empower and enable the people of Meath to address issues locally. Prior to joining Meath Partnership in 2010, Lorraine gained experience as a community outreach worker. Lorraine holds a Higher Diploma in Community and Youth Work and an MA in Community and Youth work with NUI Maynooth.
Robert McCulloch, LCDP Projects Officer
Robert joins Meath Partnership from his role as project manager of a Dublin based Skillnet, where he was responsible for business network development and the delivery of a wide range of training opportunities to employees of local businesses. Prior to this he worked with Ballymun Partnership, supporting the Ballymun Enterprise Centre and its customers and clients. Robert holds a 1st class Masters Degree in Regional and Local Development, and completed his research dissertation in conjunction with Northside Partnership on initiatives for jobseekers. Robert’s work with Meath Partnership centres on company objectives relating to enhanced social inclusion, with a particular focus on initiatives that improve the employment prospects of local people.
Sarah Land, LEADER Administrator
As LEADER Administrator, Sarah provides customers with the first point of contact with the company. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Company Administrator, Sarah provides administrative and coordination support on specific projects, and is currently working on the LEADER Programme. Fluent in Irish, Sarah graduated from the Eureka Secondary School in 2008 and is pursuing a BA degree in English and History in NUI Galway.
Jeanette O'Reilly, Placement Officer, Meath Volunteer Centre