Veronica Morris

Chief Executive

Veronica 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 Operations and Strategic Development

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.

Melissa Wylie

Crisis Support Co-ordinator

Melissa is a member of the Farm Support Unit and 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.

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 Princes’ Countryside Fund Farm Resilience Programme and The Business of Farming. Victoria also oversees delivery and mentoring support services across Northern Ireland.

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.

Marketing Communications Co-ordinator

Are 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

Administrator 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.

Keelin McGartland

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

Shauna Quinn

Project Support Officer

Shauna 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 Rural Health Forum.