The Board of Mental Health Reform (MHR) has today announced the appointment of Ms Fiona Coyle as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the coalition. The appointment follows an external recruitment process led by the Board of Directors.
Fiona Coyle, originally from Donegal, joins Mental Health Reform following over a decade of work in non-governmental organisations, both in Ireland and internationally. Most recently, Fiona served as Director of End Female Genital Mutilation European Network (End FGM EU), an umbrella network for 27 European organisations collectively advocating European governments and policy makers to scale up efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairperson of Mental Health Reform, Prof Agnes Higgins said:
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fiona Coyle to Mental Health Reform as the incoming CEO. Fiona brings with her a wealth of experience as a leading figure in international advocacy on human rights issues and I know her expertise will be an invaluable asset to the coalition, as we continue our important work.”
Fiona Coyle succeeds Dr Shari McDaid, who over a 6 year term as CEO of Mental Health Reform has made an immense contribution to improving the mental health system in Ireland. Both the staff and the Board wish Dr McDaid every success as she takes on new challenges and opportunities.
Speaking on her appointment as CEO, Fiona Coyle said:
“I am delighted to join Mental Health Reform and to have the chance to be part of a fantastic team of staff, members and volunteers working together to drive progressive reform of our mental health system in Ireland.”
“I am conscious that I arrive to MHR at a time when people of all ages and from all communities, face increasing difficulties in getting timely access to holistic mental health services and supports. I am looking forward to building on MHR’s work in drawing attention to the urgent need for investment and improvement in our services, so that people get timely support where and when they need it.”
Kate Mitchell, Senior Policy and Research Officer, has assumed the post of Acting CEO, until Fiona Coyle commences her post on the 20th April 2020.
