Meet the Board

Mike Dawson – Chairperson

As the People and Corporate Services Director for Belfast Harbour Commission since August 2021, I bring over 20 years of experience in leading people and business transformation strategies with executive teams and boards across multiple sectors. I am also currently a board member for Praxis Care and have previously worked in the third sector.

Why MACS?

Recently, I was introduced to the impactful work that MACS does, and I was immediately drawn to their mission. I am thrilled to have been offered a position on the MACS Board, and I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise in any way that I can.

Andrea McCooke

I’m an accredited CEDR Mediator and hold a BA in Business Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. I currently work for Simon Community NI as the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development. Previously, I worked as a Director in Local Government, with more than 20 years experience working in senior roles with responsibility for Human Resources & Organisational Development across a number of local Councils in Northern Ireland. I am also a volunteer for a local charity, Links2Pink, who raise money to provide support for families suffering from illness in the borough of Antrim.

Why MACS?

I joined MACS because I want to be part of an organisation that supports young people who haven’t had a fair deal and deserve a chance. Something that MACS do so well.

Joyce Agnew

After university, I spent around ten years working in Financial Services. After my second child was born, I took a complete career break but as I approached my 40th birthday, I knew that I wanted to work again and this time in a different environment. Re-entering the world of work meant starting at the bottom for a second time, but I was fortunate to secure a job with an incredibly supportive employer, Strategic Investment Board.

Why MACS?

It was through my employer that I was encouraged to apply for Boardroom Apprentice, which led me to MACS NI, first as an apprentice, and more recently as a board member. My interest in serving on the board of MACS was primarily because I feel that the young people whom MACS offers support to are some of the most vulnerable and overlooked in our society; too often they are unfairly held responsible for circumstances that are beyond their control, and are expected to function as adults in a world that is hostile to them. The work that MACS does is invaluable in supporting and empowering their service users in order to allow them to move on in life, and to look to the future rather than being defined by their past. It is my hope that by participating as a board member, I can make a contribution to this work

Liguori Dobbin

I am now retired after four decades in the Financial Services Industry, having senior management experience at strategic management, governance and regulation, leadership, and change management. I am also an adoptive mum and have experience and an understanding of the challenges facing young people who have not had a fair deal. I’m currently Interim Chair of Generaion Innovation @ Catalyst and I am a member of the Adoption UK Steering Committee in NI. I am currently a Board member of BOI Staff Third World Fund.

Why MACS?

After having successfully been accepted by Boardroom Apprentice in 2018, I began my apprenticeship with MACS NI for 12 months before being accepted onto their Board in 2019. I was extremely impressed with their pioneering approach especially around the Therapeutic House and Muddy Paws. I continue to be inspired by how MACS provide development opportunities for young people and how they empower them by incorporating young people in the decision-making process which may change their lives.

Stephen Green

I am an ACCA qualified accountant and the Financial Controller of Simply Nuc Limited, a US owned technology company based in Bangor. I was the Finance Manager at Fold/Radius Housing Association for twelve years where I was a member of the Finance Committee and Audit & Risk Committee. I am also the treasurer for Kids in Control, a local professional theatre charity engaging with young people, and treasurer for North Down Cycling Club.

Why MACS?

I previously worked with MACS during my time at Fold Housing Association with the construction of their accommodation for young people in Lisburn. I also have two friends who work as Support Managers and loved hearing the progress the Lisburn scheme was making and was invited to attend a BBQ at Lisburn just after the opening. I was also talked into attending the Sleepout event. When MACS advertised the recruitment of Board members then I jumped at the chance.

Conor Coughlin

I currently work for the NI Housing Executive responsible for the organisation’s Programme and Project Management. I achieved a Masters qualifications in Corporate Governance and Business Development & Innovation. I have professional qualifications in Strategy, Risk Management, Project Management and Programme Management. I have extensive public and private sector experience of Project and Programme Management, Strategy Development and Implementation, Risk and Issue Management, Governance, Planning, Auditing and Performance Management and Review

Why MACS?

I joined MACS NI board because of the reputation of the organisation, the work it does and the impact it has, and I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in Northern Ireland.

Laura-Lee Quigley

I have a professional background in Health and Social Care working in Performance Management, Fostering and Health and Wellbeing. Most recently I have been working within a Recruitment and Business Development capacity providing employment opportunities and HR advice for Health and Social Care Teams in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland including organisations like MACS.

Why MACS?

I first came across MACS during my time sourcing placements for children and young people requiring foster placements and support leaving care. I was impressed with the feedback from the young people who had visited and worked with MACS. I am excited to be part of an organisation that listens to the voices of young people and designs services that make a positive and long-term impact in their lives.

Sandra McKillop

I have experience working in the public sector with 12 years in tertiary education and 4 years in health services in a number of senior management posts. Since 2008 I have been Company Director of a SME with responsibility for business development, quality management, marketing, human resource management and tender writing. I am currently a volunteer with MACS. I am also a Run Director at Queen’s Belfast parkrun. Previously I volunteered on the Committee, and then as Chair of Brainwaves NI. I was privileged to work with likeminded people to provide information and support to those diagnosed and living with a brain tumour; and raise vital funds for research.

Why MACS?

For the last 3 years I have volunteered with MACS as a mentor in Wellbeing Support Services, a role which I find immensely rewarding. I have seen first-hand the services delivered by MACS and the positive impact the Charity has on the life of a young person. I am delighted to be able to work with fellow Board members to provide strategic direction and support; and ensure MACS continues to grow and develop its services centred on the young person.

Albert Hamilton

I have been the Chief Executive of a market research company based in Belfast since 2003. Before that, I worked with Business in the Community on programmes to help employees invest their skills to benefit third-sector organisations. I have degrees in Statistics & Operational Research, in Philosophy and Psychology and a strong interest in Behavioural Science. I’m also on the Board of Kabosh Theatre Company.

Why MACS?

I’ve always thought of MACS as such an inspiring organisation. We all need help at various stages in our lives, but what if you don’t have someone to turn to when you need it most? MACS gives young people the help they need to get back up on their own two feet and develop the life skills they need to be proud of themselves. It’s a privilege to play a part in that.

John Meikleham

I worked for 29 years in Critical Care in the NHS. I am a Fellow of the Society of Critical Care Technologists and a member of the Institute of Health and Social Care Management. I spent 40 years working in the Scout Movement in volunteer roles ranging from local Groups to International Level. I specialised in supporting the learning and development of volunteers, including governance support, spending 5 years as National Training Lead, responsible for the development of 7,000 volunteers. I have also carried out consultancy work in this area for the European Region of WOSM. I have had other volunteering roles, including chair of a board of governors and vice-chair of Youthnet NI.

Why MACS?

I was attracted to MACS by their ethos of young people first and in particular, its work to support young people who have not had a fair deal. Their approach to involving young people in decision-making and supporting them to take the lead, not just in MACS but in life, has always been central to my work within Scouting. I hope to use my experience to support the work of MACS.

Aideen O’Neill

I am a Senior Consultant at Think People Ltd, specialising in Organisation Development. I have over 20 years experience improving individual and organisational performance and effectiveness with clients in the public, private and third sector. I have an MSc in HR Management and previously worked with Marks & Spencer, PwC and RBS.

Why MACS?

I previously volunteered with Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid as I feel strongly about not only providing everyone with a safe home but also with the support needed to make positive change. I have admired the work of MACS from a distance and am pleased to have the opportunity to support young people reach their potential.

Gary Mills

Gary has 23 years’ experience as a Social Worker, working directly with children and young people with complex behavioural and mental health issues, offending and homelessness. His experience also includes working in areas of diverse cultural differences in South Africa and Burma where he has developed post-conflict mental health programmes. Also, a keen musician working in the music industry managing the production of major festivals across the UK. He is interested in all aspects of social work and enabling children and young people to be the best they can be.