Meet The Team
At our core is the belief that every sick child deserves every chance. We want little patients to have the best possible outcomes through access to world class research, equipment and treatments when they become ill. We can only do this with your help.
So if you share our vision, and want to bring hope and possibilities to sick children, get in touch today. Whether you’re looking for a serious challenge, a fun event for your school, a partnership or engagement initiative for your workplace, or simply want to play a round of golf or make a vital donation, we want to hear from you.
CMRF Crumlin provides vital funding for CHI Crumlin (previously known as Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin) and The National Children's Research Centre to enable little patients to have the best possible outcomes - get in touch today... Lo-call 1890 507 508
Denise Fitzgerald - Chief Executive
Denise Fitzgerald was appointed Chief Executive of Children’s Health Foundation (CHF) in February 2019. Established at the beginning of this year, CHF exists to support Ireland’s sickest children in CHI at Crumlin and CHI at Temple Street on every step of their treatment journey as well as investing in treatments and cures through National Children’s Research Centre. CHF is now the largest fundraising charity in Ireland supporting sick children. Prior to her appointment, Denise held the position of Chief Executive in Temple Street Foundation since 2005. She has also held senior roles in financial services, focusing on risk, lending of both core and specialist products, business development and relationship management. She currently serves as Director with Board Match Ireland, Charities Institute Ireland and is also on the Council of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Denise holds an MBA from the UCD Smurfit Business School, ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Finance as well as a BA in Business & Finance from the University of Ulster.
dfitzgerald@cmrf.org
Dee McMahon - Finance Director
Dee and the finance team are responsible for day to day accounting and financial management of the Foundation ensuring all your generous donations are processed and reported to the highest standards as well as working with the fundraising team to set and monitor the budgets throughout the year. Dee is also the Company Secretary responsible for all aspects of governance with the Board of Directors including attending all board meetings, finance committee and governance committee meetings and responsible for compliance with various regulatory authorities.
dmcmahon@cmrf.org
Johann Fox - Director of US Development
Johann's focus is on developing relationships with US-based donors to provide funding predominantly for the National Children’s Research Centre. The US event portfolio includes the annual Best of Ireland Gala Dinner, the activities of the Emerging Leaders Board and an expanding golf programme on the East and West Coast. To find out more about the work of CMRF Inc in the United States contact Johann directly on the email below or log onto www.cmrf-usa.org
jfox@cmrf.org
Antoinette Kelly - Head of Community Fundraising
Our Community Team work with all our fundraisers nationwide - no event is too big or too small. When you register your event using our fundraising registration form, the team will work hard to ensure that you get the support and recognition you deserve. To find out more how you can get involved call our Community Fundraising team on the number above.
communities@cmrf.org
Gráinne Kennedy - Interim Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
Gráinne has over 10 years’ experience in fundraising and has worked for some of Ireland’s leading charities. She joined the CMRF team in 2018 and brings with her a wealth of expertise in the area of corporate fundraising and philanthropic giving. Gráinne is currently manging the major donor, legacy and corporate giving portfolios. Gráinne and the corporate team love to work with companies on maximising their passion and interest in raising funds and ultimately helping to fight childhood illness in Ireland. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you as an individual or as a company would like to make a significant difference to children’s health.
gkennedy@cmrf.org
Celine Nic Oireachtaigh - Head of Communications
Celine leads the communications department for CHF in both Temple Street Foundation and CMRF Crumlin. She worked as Communications Manager with Temple Street Foundation before taking up her current role in November 2019. She is responsible for developing the new communications strategy and development for Children’s Health Foundation. Celine has spent the majority of her career working in communications and PR in the charity and not-for-profit sectors. She has also worked as a print and broadcast journalist. She is an enthusiastic GIY'er and Gaeilgeoir and loves photography, reading, walking and cycling. For all media inquiries contact +353 86 029 4183 and cnicoireachtaigh@childrenshealth.ie
cnicoireachtaigh@childrenshealth.ie
Tara Finglas - Communications Executive
Tara manages the day to day communications for CMRF Crumlin - managing the social media platforms, website, and assisting with communications both external and internal. She has a degree in Communications: Journalism, masters in International Peace Studies and diplomas in Digital Marketing and Strategy. She has worked in communications in Ireland, United States and Malawi over the past 12 years. She likes to volunteer in her spare time. At weekends, she likes to go swimming with her son and go for walks with her other furry son Virgil the pug!
tfinglas@childrenshealth.ie
Alan Higgins - Golf Co-ordinator
So you play golf? Well, we do too! Alan is our dedicated golf guy and he can support you if you are organising an event. Over 20 golf committees all over Ireland get involved each year and you can contact Alan today on the email address below.
ahiggins@cmrf.org