Former Chief Executive and Director of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry focused on developing businesses, international trade and the NI Economy. I am currently a Director in the Simon Community and Chair the Audit & Risk Committee, a Director in the Lyric Theatre and a member of the Finance Committee at Ulster Rugby. I also act as a mentor for a charity supporting ex prisoners and support female entrepreneurs and women in sport. Previous experience in manufacturing with Roche and Birds General Foods and also leading the development and delivery of SME development programmes (start up, scaling, cross border, supply chain, innovation, loan funds, trade missions, cost reduction etc) across Northern, Ireland and GB. I am Certified Director and I graduated with a Diploma from the International Directors Programme at INSEAD International Business School in Paris in 2023. I have also completed the IOD Governance Training. As C Suite leader and Non Executive Director (NED), I have a considerable top level current network in business, politics and government in Northern Ireland, Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally. I am an experienced business practitioner with expertise in strategy, business improvement, business development and stakeholder engagement. Also in leadership development - advice and support on team development and succession planning.As a NED, I am an experienced chair and I also have exceptional experience in Environmental, Social, and Governance. (ESG)I have strong corporate governance experience gained during 8yrs as a Senator at Queen’s University Belfast; 10yrs in Grand Opera House Belfast (Director, Chair of Governance & Risk, Deputy Chair and Chair), 14yrs with NI Chamber and 8yrs with Enterprise NI. In these roles I developed an in-depth understanding of good corporate governance. I have chaired/sat on a number of the sub-committees, including Governance Audit & Risk, Finance, Planning and Remuneration, led annual Board evaluations, managed CEO Performance and succession planning. Awarded MBE in Queen's Diamond Jubilee Birthday Honours for Services to Small Business and Enterprise in 2012. Appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Belfast in January 2021. Awarded Doctor of Science in Economics (Honoris Causa) for services to business and commerce by Queen’s University Belfast in December 2023.