CCI Executive Search is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Charnley as Chief Executive Officer of Age Action.

 CCI Executive Search is entering a new chapter in our evolution as Bruce Tait retires from the business after more than a decade, and CCI becomes officially part of the OKC group. Mary O’Kennedy and Bruce Tait co-founded CCI in 2014 with a shared ambition to provide a bespoke recruitment service dedicated to Ireland’s non-profit sector. Since then, CCI has grown into a leading executive search and recruitment partner to charities, non-profits, arts & cultural organisations, educational institutions, philanthropic organisations and social enterprises across Ireland. As Bruce retires, Mary, through OKC, has acquired his shareholding in CCI. We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Bruce for everything he has contributed to CCI since its foundation. His experience, insight and commitment have played an important part in shaping and growing the business and we wish him every happiness in his retirement. For CCI and OKC, this new beginning builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organisations. We have worked alongside one another for many years, sharing an office, collaborating regularly and drawing on each other’s knowledge and experience. Becoming officially part of the OKC group feels like a natural next step in that relationship. While CCI’s ownership structure is changing, our Managing Director, Laura Patten, along with her dedicated team will continue to operate as a specialist recruitment and executive search partner to the sector, working with organisations across Ireland to recruit outstanding leaders and impact-driven staff. We’re excited about this next chapter for CCI and look forward to building on what we have achieved over the past 12 years.

CCI Executive Search is delighted to celebrate the successful appointment of David McCarthy as Head of Fundraising with the Crann Centre, following a recent executive search process that we were proud to support.

With a background in business and arts, Rosy brings both a strong alignment to the mission and ethos of Helium as well as extensive leadership experience delivering large scale education, creativity and community wellbeing programmes across Ireland. Most recently she held senior roles as Head of Programmes and Campaigns and Head of Operations with Grow It Yourself in Waterford. She was also previously a co-founder of an award-winning creative production company delivering children’s programmes for festivals and public events. Commenting on Rosy’s appointment, Helene Hugel, CEO of Helium said: “ Helium is delighted to welcome Rosy Bent to the team. Head of Programme is a new senior management role in Helium, representing an investment in leadership and growth in organisational capacity as we strengthen foundations for the next stage of sustainable scale. I look forward to collaborating with Rosy to bring joy to more children with long term conditions across Ireland. ” Rosy added: “ I’m thrilled to be joining Helium as Head of Programme at a key moment of growth. I look forward to working with the team to strengthen programme delivery, support sustainable scale, and ensure Helium continues to have meaningful impact for children and families across Ireland. ” Our heartfelt congratulations go to Helium on this important appointment, and we wish Helene, Rosy and all the team the very best for a successful 2026 as the organisation continues to go from strength to strength, inspiring children living with long-term physical health conditions to imagine, create, and grow. CCI Executive Search works exclusively with not-for-profit organisations to recruit excellent staff and build high-performing teams. To learn more about our services or to discuss an upcoming recruitment need, visit our website or contact us directly at 01 524 2807 or at recruitment@cciexecutivesearch.ie .

We were pleased to partner with the RCPI to lead the recruitment process for this key position. The RCPI is dedicated to excellence in medical education, public health, and healthcare leadership and a key strategic priority is the development of its Medical Museum - with this appointment, it has further strengthened its highly committed team. As Director of Fundraising & Communications at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services (OLH&CS) for over a decade, Eleanor has deep expertise in driving strategic fundraising growth, securing major philanthropic gifts, and leading multi-million-euro capital campaigns. Her career prior to joining OLH&CS included roles with Focus Ireland, UNICEF and McCann Erickson. Welcoming the new appointment, Audrey Houlihan CEO said: “ I am delighted to welcome Eleanor Flew as the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Eleanor brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing meaningful collaborations and philanthropic initiatives. We look forward to the vision, energy, and expertise that Eleanor will bring to RCPI, and we are excited for the journey ahead. ” Speaking about her appointment, Eleanor says: “ I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland as Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships. I look forward to working collaboratively with the team and engaging with donors and partners to support the College’s strategic priorities — including leading a major capital campaign to develop Ireland's first publicly accessible medical museum at Number 6 Kildare Street. ” We wish Eleanor every success as she steps into this exciting new role and look forward to seeing the impact of her work. CCI Executive Search works exclusively with not-for-profit organisations to recruit excellent staff and build high-performing teams. To learn more about our services or to discuss an upcoming recruitment need, visit our website or contact us directly at 01 524 2807 or at recruitment@cciexecutivesearch.ie .

Congratulations to Caroline Casserly on her appointment as CEO of Cali - Care and Learn Ireland. This appointment follows a recruitment process led by CCI Executive Search in partnership with the Cali - Care and Learn Ireland Board. Caroline is an experienced leader in housing and social care having held senior roles over the last decade, firstly as Director of Housing Services and HR with Dublin Central Mission and most recently as Director of Operations with Oaklee Housing. She brings a proven track record in strategic leadership, partnership development, organisational change and entrepreneurial skills. Speaking about Caroline’s appointment, the Board of Cali - Care and Learn Ireland say: “We are delighted to welcome Caroline as she takes up the role of CEO. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise which will help drive Cali’s growth and development. Cali was founded to address a gap in the provision of a formal Further Education Pathway for school leavers with a Profound Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD). As CEO, Caroline will lead the Cali team which works in partnership with participants to support their chosen goals in education, well-being and inclusion.” Caroline added: “I am thrilled to join Cali - Care and Learn Ireland as Chief Executive Officer at such a pivotal moment in their growth and development. What drew me to Cali is their clear vision and commitment in providing further education with care and multidisciplinary therapy to school leavers and young adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. It’s a privilege to lead this innovative organisation that is transforming lives, and I am committed to bringing fresh energy, strategic vision, and a strong focus on growth and inclusion to ensure Cali fulfils its goals in the years ahead. I look forward to working alongside a talented and dedicated team, who empower our participants to lead self-directed lives of their choosing.” We wish to congratulate Cali on this important and timely appointment and wish Caroline and everyone on the team the very best of luck with this exciting next chapter! CCI Executive Search partners exclusively with not-for-profit organisations to recruit outstanding leaders and staff and build effective teams. To learn more about our services or discuss an upcoming recruitment need, visit our website or contact us directly on 01 524 2807 or recruitment@cciexecutivesearch.ie .

CCI Executive Search is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Spandagos as Director of Fundraising with Cork Simon Community.

CCI Executive Search is pleased to announce the appointment of Orla O’Connor as Executive Director of St. Stephen’s Green Trust.

Good governance is essential but visionary thinking, a collaborative work ethic and an ability to bring out the best in others, are also crucially important attributes for a truly impactful Chair.