Newsletter
Extern Ireland Board and Trustees
Meet our Extern Ireland Board members
Extern Ireland Board
Extern NI 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.
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.
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.
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.
Marian Quinn
Extern Ireland Director
Marian has a long career in child and family services, having held roles as a community youth worker, Youthreach Coordinator and Director of Services in the HSE. In the Reception and Integration Agency, (DoJ), Marian was responsible for developing and implementing a child protection policy for Direct provision centres as well as a range of initiatives aimed at supporting families in the asylum process. She took on the CEO role with the childhood Development Initiative in 2007, from which time she has taken it from a start up to one which is recognised for its high quality, evidence based interventions, its innovative approaches and ability to translate research into learning for practice and policy. Holding an MA in Adult Education, a BSC in Youth and Community Work and a qualified General Nurse, Marian has significant governance expertise, has been a member of several Stare and NGO boards and holds a Diploma in Corporate Governance.
Niall O'Sullivan
Extern Ireland Director
Niall O'Sullivan is a seasoned professional currently working in Financial Compliance with significant expertise in Data Protection Law and compliance standards. He holds both a Master's and an Honours Degree, as well as a significant background in academic research. Niall has extensive experience across the Technology and Higher Education sectors, including roles at Trinity College Dublin and major organisations like Apple and Aviva. His career is underpinned by a strong foundation in academic research, combined with deep technical knowledge, enabling him to effectively navigate complex regulatory and compliance challenges.
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.