The people who serve on the Board of Directors and Board Oversight Committee of Core Credit Union are unpaid volunteers, that are elected by their fellow Members at the Credit Unions Annual General Meeting.
Unlike other kinds of financial institutions, Core Credit Union is Member owned. Every Member of Core Credit Union gets to vote on who will represent them on the Board of Directors (Board) and every Member of the Credit Union has one vote. Serving as a Board Member is a valuable and fulfilling experience, furthering the longstanding Credit Union philosophy of people helping people. The Board meets monthly and guides the Credit Union through strategic planning and setting of policy.
The current Board of Directors of Core Credit Union are:
Chairperson – Ian McDonald
Ian has been a Chartered Accountant for almost 30 years. He currently works as Chief Financial Officer for a small number of companies in the technology sector. He has also been a volunteer Board member of several organisations over the past 20 years. He is a long-standing member of Core Credit Union and joined the Board in 2022. He also sits on the Investment Committee and Nominations Committee.
Vice-Chairperson – Matt McConnell
Matt McConnell is a fully qualified accountant with over 18 years of experience across the financial services industry and utility sector. A graduate of UCD and ACCA certified, Matt currently is Head of Operations, Billing Services at Irish Water, Ireland’s State Water utility, and brings a wealth of experience in the areas of investment planning, revenue control, payment services, stakeholder, and credit control management. Living in Leopardstown with his young family, Matt is involved in his local GAA and soccer clubs and has just completed his second Dublin marathon.
Secretary – Elizabeth Harpur
Elizabeth Harpur has been a Director of Core Credit Union from 2017 and has acted as Chair from December 2017 to March 2020. A former staff member of Shankill Ballybrack Credit Union, Elizabeth is an experienced director having been a member of the Board of Directors since 2012. She has held roles including Vice-Chair and Secretary as well as being a member of several committees, such as Credit Committee, Nomination Committee and Property and Remuneration. A Fellow of the Institute of Accounting Technicians of Ireland, Elizabeth also holds a Diploma in Credit Union Governance.
Directors
Director – Irene Rafferty
Irene Rafferty brings a wealth of expertise from her years in event management and finance. Former director of Event Plus, Dun laoghaire, Irene is known for her leadership skills, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence. She has a background in organizing high-profile events and developing impactful communication and budgetary strategies, enhancing her contribution to Core Credit Union’s mission. Passionate about community service, Irene is excited to bring her skills to Core’s board, supporting its growth and member-focused values
Director – Stebbin Mwalilino
Stebbin was co-opted into the Board of Directors in April 2022. He has experiences in risk management within a banking financial institution and previous management work experience in managerial positions within the retail sector. He has an Honours Bachelor Degree in Business Studies and recently completed his Master’s in Project Management. He also sits on the Risk, Compliance and Audit Committee.
Director – Alan Guerins
Alan has been on the Board of Core for nearly five years, he and his family are all active long time members of the Credit Union. He has extensive experience in the Advertising industry holding various senior positions, currently he is the owner of a Digital Signage Company. Alan has a strong business and social acumen and is involved in various local community projects. In Core Credit Union he has served on most committees.
Director – Eva Kane
I’ve recently started a new career as a financial advisor after previously working in the martial arts industry for 3 years, and working locally as a home care assistant before this. I have a degree in Entrepreneurship & Management, and MSc in International Business. I’m currently an active facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project, where we run anti-violence workshops within various prisons around Ireland to assist prisoners with their rehabilitation. I’m a member of some of the local gyms in Dun Laoghaire, and have a keen interest in health and fitness, particularly through martial arts. I hope to be able to utilize my skills to now give back to my local community.
Director – Pat McAuliffe
Pat joined the Board Oversight Committee in 2020 and brings with him many years’ experiences of the Credit Union movement. Pat previously served on the Foxrock and District Credit Union Board of Directors and was serving as Chair on that Board during the transfer of engagement between Foxrock and District Credit Union and Core Credit Union. Because of working closely with Core Credit Union during that time Pat came to appreciate and value the ethos of Core Credit Union and as a result agreed to join the Board Oversight Committee. Married with two daughters, Pat lives in Cabinteely and is a keen Leinster Rugby supporter.
Director – Edel Woods
Edel was co-opted onto the Board of Directors this year and also sits on the Risk Compliance and Audit Committee. A seasoned Leader with over 20 years’ experience in Commercial Leadership roles and over a decade at Director level, within the Pharmaceutical, Nutrition and Food Safety Businesses, starting with an educational background in Science and Marketing. Edel is a long-standing member of Core Credit Union and has a variety of volunteering experiences across a range of charitable organisations and is delighted to be able to contribute to our local community through CORE Credit Union.
Board Oversight Committee
Oversight Committee Chairperson – Eoin Massey
Eoin graduated with a Bachelor of Business and Enterprise Degree and a Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship Honours Degree from IADT – Dun Laoghaire. He went on to study accountancy and is a full member of Certified Public Accountants Ireland the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He also holds qualifications in forensic accountancy, corporate fraud investigations and certified financial planner. He currently works as a Director in Advisory and Restructuring and volunteers with other charitable organisations. He felt the credit union would be a great way to learn more, give back to the community and share his experience and knowledge.
Oversight Committee – Mark Dooley
Mark was co-opted to the Board Oversight Committee in April 2024, bringing with him nearly 20 years of in-depth expertise in the hedge fund industry, having held key roles in valuations and management at leading firms. He has successfully completed the Chartered Director Program at the Institute of Directors, Ireland, and holds a Master of Arts in Economics from University College Cork. Mark has been a credit union member since an early age and is interested in seeing their development and increased profile within local communities.
Oversight Committee – Stephen Forsyth
Stephen Forsyth was co-opted to the Board Oversight Committee at the end of 2022. An accountant, Stephen has been working as a financial controller for several years and has a great interest in the ethos of the Credit Union. As a Board Oversight Director, he has attended Board meetings throughout the year as the Oversight representative and is looking forward to continuing as part of this committee.
