The Board of Directors and Board Oversight Committee 2024/2025 at Core Credit Union were made up of dedicated, unpaid volunteers who were elected by their fellow Members at the Credit Union’s Annual General Meeting. The Board met monthly to provide strategic guidance and set policy for the Credit Union’s continued success.
Board of Directors
Chair • Ian McDonald
Ian McDonald has been a Chartered Accountant for over 30 years and currently works as Chief Financial Officer for a small number of technology companies. 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 was elected Chair of the Board in January 2025 and sits on the Investment Committee. He was proud to be a member of the Steering Group that managed the merger with Greystones & District Credit Union in 2025.
Vice Chair • Matt McConnell
Matt McConnell is a qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience across the financial services industry and utility sector. A graduate of UCD and ACCA certified, Matt currently is Head of Operational Technology and AI Implementation at Uisce Éireann, Ireland's State Water utility, and brings a wealth of experience in the areas of large-scale transformation, investment planning, revenue control, payment services, stakeholder, and credit control management. Living in Leopardstown with his young family, Matt is involved in and chair of the Juvenile committee in his local soccer club.
Secretary • Siobhán Harding
Siobhán Harding brings extensive experience in IT and consulting to the board, drawing on a long career built in Ireland and abroad. A long-time advocate for credit unions in both Ireland and the USA, she combines technical insight with a strong commitment to community finance. Siobhán currently serves as Board Secretary, Secretary of the Remuneration Committee, and is an active contributor to the Local Members' Forum.
Director • Eva Kane
Eva has been on the Board of Directors since 2022, is Chair of the Nominations Committee and sits on the Risk, Compliance & Audit Committee. She is a Qualified Financial Advisor full time and participates in other voluntary work within the community in her spare time. She is an active facilitator for anti-violence programs across Irish prisons with AVP. She has a degree in Entrepreneurship and Management from IADT, and an MSc in International Business from Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Director • Alan Guerins
Alan has been on the Board of Core for eight years; he and his family are all active long-time members of the Credit Union. He has extensive experience in the Advertising/Marketing industry holding various senior positions. Alan has a very strong business and social acumen and is involved in various local community projects. In Core Credit Union he held the position as Chairperson and has served on all committees.
Director • Pat McAuliffe
Pat McAuliffe joined the Board in 2023, having served on the Board Oversight Committee since 2020. Pat brings with him many years' experiences of the Credit Union movement. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Foxrock and District Credit Union and was serving as Chair on that Board during the transfer of engagement between Foxrock and District Credit Union and Core Credit Union. Working closely with Core Credit Union during that time he came to appreciate and value the ethos of Core Credit Union and as a result agreed to join the Board Oversight Committee and subsequently the Board. 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 last year and 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.
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.
Board Oversight Committee
Board Oversight Committee • Stephen Forsyth
Stephen Forsyth has been a member of the Board Oversight Committee since 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.
Board 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.
Board Oversight Committee • 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.
Living outside the Republic of Ireland?
Serving as a Board Member is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the Credit Union’s mission and uphold the philosophy of people helping people.
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