Kevin Doherty

Chief Executive

Kevin is responsible for creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of the charity. This includes responsibility for all components and departments of the organisation such as income generation, financial management, lobbying activities, corporate training, farm support and stakeholder development in Northern Ireland, GB, Ireland, EU and elsewhere.

Clodagh Crowe

Head of Development and Strategic Engagement

Clodagh is responsible for the overview of operations and strategic development within the organisation. This includes all operational management, stakeholder development and network engagement including with key funders: DAERA; HSCNI; PHA; Helplines NI and is point of contact for all funders in collaboration with the Chief Executive. Clodagh also manages income generation and fundraising and is also a member of the Senior Management Team.

Gillian Reid

Head of Farm Support

Gillian is responsible for the management of the Farm Support Unit, ensuring that our services and programmes are meeting the needs of our farming families. Incorporated within this is responsibility for the mentoring team who help to deliver support across Northern Ireland. Gillian is also a member of the Senior Management Team.

Dr. Aoibeann Walsh

Head of Social Farming and Innovation

Aoibeann oversees the Social Farming and Innovation Department, which is focused on farmers providing and gaining support to feel connected. The Department includes the Social Farming Support Service, the Rural Health Forum, and the Plough On and Across the Hedgerow projects. Aoibeann is also a member of the Senior Management Team.

Carol Watters

Head of Finance

Carol is responsible for the organisation’s finance function which involves providing financial and related administrative support to colleagues and stakeholders of the organisation. Carol’s responsibilities include budget management, reporting to stakeholders and ensuring all accounting activities comply with regulations. Carol is also a member of the Senior Management Team.

Victoria Ross

Farm Support Co-ordinator

Victoria is a member of the Farm Support Unit and is responsible for the co-ordination of farm business and personal development programmes such as Coping with the Pressures of Farming, the Royal Countryside Fund Farm Resilience Programme, The Business of Farming and Boots on the Ground training for agricultural businesses. Victoria also oversees delivery and mentoring support services across Northern Ireland.

Bronagh Brennan

Farm Support Co-ordinator

Bronagh is responsible for the co-ordination of The Farm Business Sustainability Pilot Programme across Northern Ireland in collaboration with CAFRE . She also provides essential support for other key areas of delivery within the Farm Support Unit.

Bronagh works Monday – Wednesday 8.30am-4.30pm and Thursday 8.30am-11am. Bronagh also works term time, meaning she is off July and August.

Barbara Alcorn

Farm Support Co-ordinator

Barbara is a member of the Farm Support Unit and is responsible for the proactive programmes for farmers such as the Royal Countryside Fund and The Business of Farming. Barbara also supports many other key aspects of the organisation such as our Outreach Programme and Business Mentor Support.

Deborah Gavin

Human Resources and Volunteer Co-ordinator

Deborah is responsible for the effective co-ordination of all human resources matters at Rural Support and the recruitment and management of volunteers. Deborah is also involved in staff development, learning and training.

Hannah Kirkpatrick

Marketing Communications Co-ordinator

Hannah is responsible for event planning and delivery, our outreach programme as well as integrated communications planning and delivery which includes all corporate marketing and public relations.

Deirdre McCrudden

Finance and Executive Co-ordinator

Deirdre is responsible for the co-ordination of all central administrative and executive operations at Rural Support including acting as secretariat for the Board of Trustees. Deirdre ensures that all processes, systems, and networks are appropriately utilised and managed and acts as PA to the Senior Management Team. Deirdre also assists the Head of Finance with financial and budget support.

Keelin Reilly

Plough On Project Co-ordinator

Keelin is responsible for the development, delivery and management of the Plough On project which aims to tackle rural isolation and increase social opportunities for older farmers across Northern Ireland.

Pamela Caldwell

Project Support Officer

Pamela plays an integral role in the supporting the delivery of social innovation projects, in particular the Plough On project which provides support for older and vulnerable farmers across Northern Ireland as well as Across the Hedgerow – befriending scheme for vulnerable and older adults; and the Agri Rural Health Forum.

Nikki Foster

Social Farming Support Service Co Ordinator

Nikki coordinates the Social Farming Support Service for Northern Ireland, supporting farmers delivering or preparing to a Social Farming service and liaising with referral organisations on the opportunity for individuals with support needs to engage in meaningful activities in a farm environment.

Nikki covers farms and other contacts within the WHSCT and SEHSCT.

Elaine Conlon

Social Farming Support Service Co Ordinator

Elaine coordinates the Social Farming Support Service for Northern Ireland, supporting farmers delivering or preparing to a Social Farming service and liaising with referral organisations on the opportunity for individuals with support needs to engage in meaningful activities in a farm environment.

Elaine covers farms and other contacts within the SHSCT, NHSCT and BHSCT.

Melissa Wylie

Crisis Support Co-ordinator

Melissa is responsible for co-ordinating the Crisis Support Service and manages all aspects of our free confidential Support Line. Melissa also oversees the Life Beyond Bereavement Programme, RABI/LFT Emergency Fund and manages mentors and volunteers involved with the crisis mentoring programme.

Gyles Dawson

Therapy Services Co-Ordinator

Gyles is responsible for the management of a team of self-employed counselling mentors, ensuring delivery of all aspects of rural supports crisis support services. Gyles is also responsible for the provision of the trauma informed care ethos within the organisation, for all associates, volunteers, and staff.