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
Mary O'Donovan - Director of Fundraising
Mary O'Donovan has worked in development and leadership positions in charities in Ireland and the UK for more than 20 years. Mary's passion for connecting donors to the causes they care about has taken her all over the world to see projects and impact in action, from the Arctic to the Amazon, Africa, India and South America. Born in Dublin, Mary returned to Ireland in 2011 with her family, bringing with her a wealth of experience in philanthropy, corporate and capital fundraising and a desire to make a difference at home. Since returning to Ireland Mary has helped raise over €20 Million for Irish education, homelessness and health charities. Mary was awarded Professional Fundraiser of the Year by Fundraising Ireland in 2016. Joining CMRF Crumlin in 2017 as Director of Fundraising, Mary heads up a team of talented fundraisers, who have the privilege every day of connecting CMRF’s amazing donors and volunteers to the cause they most care about - making sick children better.
modonovan@cmrf.org
Dee McMahon - Finance Director
Dee McMahon joined CMRF in November 2016 as Finance Director. Dee is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience working in both the commercial and the non-profit sectors. In her role as Finance Director she supports the CMRF Board and Management across all key areas of the organisation’s finances. As a key member of the Management Team, she reports to the CEO and manages a team of 3 direct reports. Dee and her team are responsible for day to day accounting and financial management of CMRF ensuring all your generous donations are processed and reported to the highest standards. Dee is also responsible for risk management of the organisation and she is a member of the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee and is the Company Secretary, responsible for all aspects of compliance with various regulatory authorities.
dmcmahon@cmrf.org
Fiona O'Malley - Head of Communications
Fiona is the Head of Communications for CMRF Crumlin, has over 10 years’ experience in Communications, and has worked for VOGUE, The Sunday Times, The Irish Times, GOAL and The Union of Students in Ireland. Her responsibilities include public relations, ambassador management, brand creative editorial and design services. She ensures publications, announcements, speeches, and content are consistent with the CMRF goals and communications strategy. Fiona did a Masters in Journalism in Kingston and holds a BA International from NUIG.
fomalley@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
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