Northern Ireland

I have been working in the charity sector for over 20 years, with experience in both national and local charities, and I joined the CIOFNI in 2022. I’m delighted to have become the new chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with our Vice Chair, Mark, and our incredibly talented committee to continue growing a more connected, engaged, and forward-thinking fundraising community. Together, we will continue to create opportunities for growth and development through innovative and inclusive learning and training events for all our members.

Northern Ireland has some of the most generous communities in the UK, and we also have some of the most driven fundraisers. My vision is to ensure that we celebrate the individuals who go above and beyond for their organisation.

I currently work as the Fundraising & Engagement Officer for Trócaire, based in Belfast. I have 16 years of experience working in the fundraising sector, with a focus on various types of fundraising and supporting volunteers in all my roles. I have been a member of the CIOF NI committee for 18 months and have led on the rollout of the Mentoring Programme, which runs for 18 months from January 2025 and involves 18 mentoring relationships. I have recently taken on the role of Vice Chair and look forward to working with our new Chair, Claire Hogarth, and our brilliant committee of fundraisers to achieve our goals of developing the sector in NI and supporting fundraisers and the charities who do such great work for so many worthy causes.

Emma has worked in the charity sector for over ten years, having previously worked in marketing and communications roles in the public and private sectors. Her fundraising experience has included roles at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Diabetes UK and Parkinson’s UK. Currently she works as a fundraiser for Marie Curie Northern Ireland. Through these roles Emma has gained experience in a wide range of fundraising – community, major donor, events, trusts & foundations, corporate and individuals. Emma also has a Diploma in Marketing Communications and a Diploma in Fundraising.

Naomi is an experienced and adaptable fundraising professional with over ten years' community fundraising experience with a MInstF (Cert) with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

She is responsible for developing and implementing the community fundraising strategy in Northern Ireland for Diabetes UK, working independently but also as part of a regionally dispersed team. Naomi is highly skilled at relationship-led fundraising with a proven track record of building successful long lasting relationships with supporters and possess solid volunteer management skills.

As Engagement Manager for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Jimmy helps stimulate and support the flow of good quality applications; providing pre-application advice and support to potential applicants, contributing to and implementing outreach strategies. Jimmy is an expert on researching funding sources and has significant experience in helping groups obtain funding. He has sat on numerous grant assessment panels including various EU funds. He has an Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise at the University of Ulster, is Diploma qualified from the Chartered Institute and is also a Volunteer Mentor for the Sported Charity and is Chairman of St Johns GAC, Drumnaquoile.

Neal has worked in the charity and volunteer sector for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience from the Direct Marketing and Face to Face world. He currently is the Face to Face Manager, Ireland for the RNLI while also holding a volunteer position with the Sea Cadets.  Neal has an array of experience in project and event management, and throughout his time in the fundraising sector has been involved in grants and trusts. Neal has sat on selection charity grants committees and has been a member of the committee since 2021. 

Paul has twenty years’ experience in fundraising across corporate, community, events and trust income streams.

With the first half of that career based in England, Paul started in fundraising at the Anthony Nolan Trust and later at Cancer Research UK. Upon returning to Northern Ireland, he has worked with NSPCC and has led the fundraising team at the Stroke Association since 2012.

Paul joined the Northern Ireland Regional Group committee in 2018.

Treasa was appointed as CEO of GLOW in October 2023.  Prior to joining GLOW, Treasa worked with several charities across Northern Ireland including Brain Injury Matters (NI), where she was Engagement Manager for 11 years; Action Cancer as Health Promotion Manager/Officer and Ligoniel Improvement Association, where she spent time at the start of her career as a Youth Health Worker. Treasa is currently a Committee Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland.

Treasa is a graduate from Ulster University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and a Masters of Science in Health Promotion. Treasa has completed ILM Level 5 and Level 7 in Leadership and Management.

Maria is an exceptional fundraising professional with over 18 years’ experience gained in the voluntary sector. Starting her career at Macmillan Cancer Support provided her with a solid foundation, particularly in leading capital build fundraising appeals and managing volunteers. Her recent role as a Development Manager at Queen's University Belfast has further honed her skills in major gifts fundraising and high value relationships. Now, as the Partnership and Philanthropy Advisor at Cancer Fund for Children, Maria will bring her wealth of experience to lead the Northern Ireland team.

Hannah has several years of experience in communications and fundraising, having worked with organisations such as Cash for Kids NI and, most recently, AWARE NI. In these roles, Hannah has managed social media, branding, and event communications, with a particular focus on digital fundraising and campaign development. Last year, she was recognised as a "Fundraiser to Watch (Under 30)" at the Chartered Institute Northern Ireland Fundraising Awards, a proud achievement in her career.

As a committee member, Hannah is passionate about organising and supporting impactful events that not only celebrate the sector's successes but also focus on developing skills to better support the causes she cares about. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and make a meaningful difference in the field and community.

Linzi has been working fundraising in since 2018 after taking up the role of Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society. Also, an avid fundraiser outside of work, Linzi enjoys supporting charities personally and as part of a number of clubs and organisations too.  Currently Alzheimer’s Society Lead Community Fundraiser for Northern Ireland, Linzi was honoured to be awarded Fundraiser of the Year at Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland Awards 2024.

Linzi recently completed Level 3 ILM in Leadership and Management and joined the committee in Autumn 2024.