Governance Structure
As a charity, World Vision Ireland has no shareholders. We are governed by our Board members who are supporters of the organisation, believe in its mission and vision and are prepared to get involved on a voluntary basis to support the organisation.
Our senior management team supports the Board in the achievement of its objectives and are accountable to the Board.
The Board of World Vision Ireland is a skills-based Board. The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategy of World Vision Ireland, approving budgets, major policies, monitoring performance, reviewing and ensuring management proposals are actioned.
World Vision Ireland has committees: Finance & Audit and Risk; Ministry Strategy & Resource Development; and Governance and Selection. Each committee meet with respective World Vision Ireland Directors (staff) and CEO in advance of the quarterly Board meetings to review and advise on ongoing activities and thereafter to update and report any pertinent issues to the Board.
Our Board of Directors
Maria Flannery
Maria is a Partner in KPMG’s Financial Services Audit group and a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. She has experience providing audit and advisory services to asset managers and investment vehicles in multiple jurisdictions, and also assists clients in risk, governance & regulatory reviews. Prior to joining KPMG, Maria spent a number of months working within the finance team of a humanitarian agency based in Dublin, and she also completed a secondment to the internal audit department of an Irish aid agency in Haiti. She is a member of KPMG Ireland’s Inclusion Diversity & Equity committee.
Maria has a BSc in Applied Computational Linguistics and a Professional Diploma in Accounting, both from Dublin City University. Maria joined the Board of World Vision Ireland in 2022. She serves as the Chair of the FARCOM, WVIRE Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Barry Dunning
Barry is Head of External Communications at Ernst & Young Ireland and is a strategic communications, advisory, and public affairs professional with over 15 years of experience in the corporate, political and not-for-profit sectors. This includes over two years working as Chief of Operations at a not-for-profit providing palliative care to children in Jakarta, Indonesia.
He holds an MBA from Smurfit Graduate Business School as well as a MA in Politics and International Relations from University College Dublin.
Barry joined the World Vision Ireland Board in March 2023. He Serves as the Chair of the Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Resource and Development Committee.
David Eastment
David was born in Dublin. He spent 42 years in the public service - 9 years in the health sector and the remainder in a semi-state commercial organisation. Over the course of his career he has worked in the areas of finance, HR, IT, project management, and line management.
He has been involved with the voluntary sector as a volunteer worker and volunteer board director over a period of 35 years. Most of this was with the credit union movement and community groups.
David joined the World Vision Ireland Board in 2023. He serves on the FARCOM, WVIRE Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Robert Flood
Robert has over 20 years’ experience in technology, insurance & management consulting and currently works as an Account Director for a global technology organisation, serving clients in Ireland & the UK.
He holds a BBS degree from Trinity College, an MBS from the Michael Smurfit School of Business, UCD and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. He is a member of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.
Robert Flood joined the Board of World Vision Ireland in 2023. Robert serves as Chair on the Governance, Ministry, Strategy & Selection Committee.
Robert Saunders
Robert Saunders is Chair of the Board of World Vision Ireland, a role he has held alongside his service as a Non-Executive Director since 2013. He brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience spanning the non-profit, corporate, and private sectors, combining strong commercial acumen with deep commitment to purpose-driven, values-led leadership.
As Chair, Robert provides strategic and governance oversight to support World Vision Ireland’s mission to improve the lives of vulnerable children and communities. He works closely with the Board, CEO, and executive leadership team to ensure strong stewardship, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and accountability to donors, partners, and the communities World Vision serves. He has played a key role in guiding the organisation through periods of growth, increased programme reach, and complex humanitarian responses.
Robert has contributed to board-level decisions that have supported significant growth in income, strengthened governance frameworks, and ensured that the vast majority of funds raised are directed to programmes in the field. He has also represented World Vision Ireland at international councils and has served on global board selection panels within the World Vision partnership, contributing to the organisation’s wider governance and strategic direction.
Alongside his non-profit leadership, Robert has held senior executive roles in highly regulated commercial environments, including pharmaceutical supply chains, life sciences services, and global logistics. He is currently a senior commercial leader within the life sciences sector, where he is responsible for strategy, growth, and transformation across international markets. His professional background includes extensive experience in governance, risk management, business transformation, and stakeholder engagement at board and executive level.
Robert holds an MBA (Honours) from University College Dublin Smurfit Business School. He is particularly passionate about applying commercial discipline, ethical leadership, and long-term strategic thinking to support organisations delivering meaningful social impact.
Robert serves on the Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Resource and Development Committee.
Lye Ogunsanya
Lye Ogunsanya is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in dual-use technology and humanitarian sectors. He is a US State Department IVLP alumnus, a former mobile telecommunications executive, and a UNICEF Champion for Children Awardee. Recognized for his contributions to society and Irish-USA relations, he was honored with the Ireland United States Alumni Association (IUSA) Emerging Leader award in 2022.
Lye holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship from Trinity College Dublin and a BSc in Marketing, Innovation & Technology from Dublin City University. He has held notable positions including Portfolio Manager EMEA at The One Foundation and CEO of Dídean. At Dídean, he significantly influenced the Irish government’s accommodation policy for refugees and international protection applicants.
Lye has led numerous transformative projects across the EMEA region. His work with UNICEF includes developing innovative programs for families and youth in refugee camps along the Syria/Lebanon and Syria/Jordan borders. These initiatives, focused on health, education, and youth development, earned him UNICEF’s Champion for Children Award in 2018.
In the East of Africa, Malawi, Lye worked collaboratively towards the establishment of Africa’s First Humanitarian Drone and Data Academy in 2019, aimed at preparing graduates for the emerging smart workforce sector and reducing migration at the source. His aerial innovation intervention program in the Mediterranean saved hundreds of lives during the migrant crisis between Libya and Italy. He recently 2024 deployed a fully decarbonised situational awareness single-infrastructure in the West of Africa.
Lye serves on the boards of Temple Bar Galleries + Studios Dublin, World Vision Ireland, Headfort School in Meath, and the Ireland United States Alumni Association. Currently, he is focused on harnessing the power of AI and climate technology to promote circularity, safety, and to democratise decarbonisation efforts.
Lye Ogunsanya’s collaborative approach and innovative mindset have positioned him as a leading advocate for integrating technology and humanitarian efforts, making significant strides in sustainable urban development and global humanitarian response.
Lye serves on the Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Resource and Development Committee.
Ellen Butler
Ellen Butler has been a youth advocate for over 10 years, believing young people should be meaningfully included and consulted in decisions that affect them.
She's also passionate about addressing the climate emergency in an urgent and constructive way. She believes real climate action requires accountability, transparency and community engagement. It also needs the vibrancy, creativity and imagination of young people.
Ellen has been a youth leader with the SAUTI-Youth project - a collaboration between World Vision Ireland and Tanzania and Youth Work Ireland Galway - since its inception in 2020.
Professionally, Ellen's background is in communications and broadcasting. She's a radio news anchor, reporter and Weekend News Editor with Bauer Media Audio Ireland, the parent company of Newstalk and Today FM. She sees her work as a public service, making people aware of what's happening in their local, national and global communities, and holding people to account. Ellen serves on the Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Resource and Development Committee. She brings her insight into the world of communications to her role on the World Vision board.
Ellen grew up on an organic farm in County Roscommon and is now based in Dublin city.
Alexander Victor
Dr. Alexander Okhuese Victor is a mathematician, Artificial Intelligence researcher, and academic with extensive experience spanning applied mathematics, financial engineering, machine learning, and development-focused research. He currently serves as a Faculty Lecturer at Dublin Business School and as a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Researcher at Dublin City University, where he conducts advanced research in AI-driven analytics and time-series modelling. Dr. Victor holds a PhD degrees in Financial Mathematics from the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), Kenya. He also holds a Master of Science in Financial Engineering from WorldQuant University, USA, and two Master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics and Financial Mathematics both from the University of Abuja, Nigeria.
With over 16 years of professional and leadership experience, Dr. Victor has held academic, research, and industry roles across Africa and Europe. Prior to his current appointments in Ireland, he served as a Lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Research Fellow and Econometrician at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria, contributing to development research initiatives funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, focusing on digital financial services, financial inclusion, and SME development. Dr. Victor is the Founder and CEO of Schemas Group, a consultancy focused on IT project development, data analytics, and research advisory services. He also serves as the Founder and Lead of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Exchange, where he mentors entrepreneurs and supports SME development through training programmes, research initiatives, and business capacity-building workshops. Dr. Victor has also been actively engaged in strategy, governance, and leadership, with previous board involvement with TICH International and the Movement for Community-Led Development (MCLD), Kenya. Dr.
Victor joined World Vision Ireland in March 2026. He serves on the Governance, Ministry, Strategy and Selection (GMSS) Committee.
Suzanne Dempsey
Ms Suzanne Dempsey successfully qualified as a children’s nurse in the Children’s University Hospital in 1988 and as a General Nurse in 1990 from Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. During her time there, she worked predominantly in the speciality of Neurosciences, including Neuro Intensive Care, before taking on the role of Director of Nursing at Temple Street, Children's University Hospital in 2010.
From 2014 until 2019, Suzanne was appointed to the role of Chief Director of Nursing, Children’s Hospital Group. As part of this role, Suzanne was the executive lead for the transformation and integration of all clinical services across the three hospitals in preparation for the opening of the new children’s hospital and the two Paediatric OPD and Urgent Care Centres.
In 2019, Suzanne took up her role as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and in 2021 was invited to take up the role of Strategic Projects Implementation Lead to support the successful service delivery role of critical projects for the hospital, including the 100-bedded infectious diseases, Rock Wing, Eccles St., Dublin.
From April 2023 to date, Suzanne has held the position of Director of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. In addition, Suzanne is the legal provider for the hospital Creche, St Paul’s Child and Family Service, which provides respite services to children with severe autism.
Suzanne holds a BSc in Nursing (Hons) (DCU), an MSc in Creative Leadership and Organisational Development (Hons) (RCSI), and a Diploma in Quality and Leadership (RCPI).
Suzanne’s main areas of interest are patient advocacy, values-based leadership and governance, in particular the development of strong female leadership.
Suzanne joined the World Vision Ireland Board in March 2026. She serves on the Governance, Ministry, Strategy & Selection Committee.
John Farrell
John lives in Knocklyon with his wife Kim and his two daughters Francesca and Sienna.
He was Chairman of Stepping Stone for six years, a charity focused on helping those at risk of homelessness.
John spent much of his career working in AA Ireland leading their insurance and commercial businesses. He currently works at Airbnb developing its European insurance business. He holds a B.Sc (Management) and MA from Trinity College Dublin and is a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors.
John’s passions include running (he recently completed an ultra-marathon in Morocco) and music (he has played in various bands).
John joined the World Vision Ireland Board in March 2026. He serves on the Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Resource and Development Committee.
Stephen Lockley
Stephen Lockley has served the World Vision partnership for 15 years, the first 5 of which as Chief Financial Officer of VisionFund International followed by 10 years as Chief Administrative & Finance Officer of World Vision International. Stephen retired from his full-time role at the end of 2025 and now serves part-time as Strategic Finance Advisor to World Vision International. Prior to joining World Vision, Stephen spent over 20 years in a number of senior posts in banking.
After qualifying as a UK chartered accountant, Stephen worked for several years as a corporate finance advisor, becoming a director of Charterhouse Bank. From 1994 to 2006 he was at Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC, a banking and insurance group listed on the London stock market. During his 12 years at Arbuthnot he served variously as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive of Private Banking and Chief Executive of Investment Banking. Immediately prior to joining VisionFund, he spent 4 years as a partner with Wyvern Corporate Finance, where he advised corporates and private equity firms on mergers & acquisitions.
Stephen was until recently a non-executive director of United Trust Bank, where he chaired the risk committee for 9 years. He was formerly senior independent director of Congregational & General Insurance and a non-executive director of EuroDekania, an investment fund specializing in debt capital markets. He has also served as non-executive vice chairman of the UK board of Mission Aviation Fellowship, a Christian charity operating relief flights with its own fleet of over 120 light aircraft across the developing world.
Stephen joined the World Vision Ireland Board in March 2026. He also serves on the FARCOM, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Ministry, Strategy and Selection Committee.