Newsletter
Extern Group Board and Trustees
Meet our Extern Group Board members
Extern Group Board
Extern Group Board of Trustees is responsible for our governance and strategic direction. The Board is accountable for everything we do, including setting our strategic direction, scrutinising our performance and supporting & empowering our Executive Team of Directors.
Aideen D’Arcy MBE
Extern Group Chair and Extern Ireland Director
Having graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BA, Aideen undertook an MSSc in management studies as well as gaining professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Irish Council for Social Housing. A dynamic and highly experienced professional with over 30 years experience working in social housing at a senior level throughout Ireland, Aideen initiated a number of award-winning housing projects. She has a proven track record of working collaboratively with commissioners and communities to deliver positive change.
Stephen Leach
Extern Group Director and Extern NI Director
Stephen, from North Down, is an experienced professional with a background in the Civil Service, specialising in negotiations such as those leading to the Good Friday Agreement. As Chair of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Board, he spearheaded significant reforms, including the establishment of the Youth Justice Agency and modernised legislation. His extensive experience also includes roles as a Non-Executive Director for the Health and Social Care Board and service as a Parole Commissioner and Northern Ireland Commissioner on the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Ian McAvoy
Extern Northern Ireland Chair, Extern Group Director and Extern Ireland Director
Ian lives in Belfast and was educated at MCB and London University. After graduating in economics Ian studied accountancy. After a spell in practice, he became the Finance Director of a leading Irish brand and was promoted to Chief Executive, holding that position for 16 years. He has much expertise in strategic planning, transformation, finance and marketing. Ian was Chair of PlayBoard, Vice Chair of Sport NI, Director of Sport NI, and is presently Vice Chair of Ark Housing. He has a keen interest in rugby and football, initially as a player and now as an administrator, and holds the position of Chairman of Rugby at Queen's University, Belfast. He is married to Lynne with three grown-up children.
Eavann Murphy
Extern Ireland Chair and Extern Group Director
Eavann holds degrees in HND Computer Science, Masters in Marketing Management, and ACCA Diploma in Accounting & Finance from the University of Ulster. Currently, Managing Director for the Wholesale Division at eir Group and founding Chair of the eir Group Brand Council. With extensive corporate experience in banking and telecommunications, including roles at Bank of Ireland and Vodafone. Also served on the Board of Governors for Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Completed the Institute of Directors Chartered Directors Diploma in 2021.
Dr Joan Broder
Extern Group Director and Extern Ireland Director
Joan has over 40 years experience of developing, delivering and managing a range of services for adults, children and parents / carers across the island of Ireland. Upon leaving school, Joan took up a post with the Civil Service in Dublin before completing a degree in Social Administration. Joan subsequently held several positions including residential Social Worker, Director of Supporting Families and interim CEO of a charity. As a self-employed consultant Joan has experience of undertaking reviews, evaluations, tendering expertise, project management as well as acting as chair of the NI Degree in Social Work Partnership for a 5 year period.
Paul Doran
Extern Group Director and Extern NI Director
Paul brings extensive experience to his role, having served in various capacities within the Probation Service in London and Belfast including Probation Officer, Area Manager, Assistant Director, Deputy Chief Probation Officer and Director of Rehabilitation. In 2018 he took up the role of Director of Rehabilitation with the Department of Justice until his retirement in 2022. Academically, he holds qualifications including an Advance Diploma in Management Practice, Masters in Social Work, Diploma in Social Studies, and Bachelor of Social Science. He was joint founder of the Irish Probation Journal, is a registered social worker and is a Fellow of the Probation Institute.