Board Profiles

Marita O’Brien (Chair)

Marita is social researcher and health policy analyst working mainly in the field of ageing and dementia. She has a PhD in Social Policy and Ageing from Trinity College. Her research work includes ‘Understanding Carer Harm’, ‘Falling Through the Cracks: The Case for Change, Key Developments and Next Steps for Adult Safeguarding in Ireland’, ‘Dementia Needs Analysis Framework to Support Local Service Development’ and ‘Accessibility of Online Services to Older People in Co. Wicklow’. 

Marita worked in Age Action for a number of years as their Health Policy Officer. She was part of the team that delivered the Wicklow Dementia Friendly programme and developed the Co. Wicklow Dementia Strategy. She was Chair of Wicklow Dementia Support from 2020 to 2022. She also volunteered as an advocate for nursing home residents.

Triona Fortune, (Vice Chair)

Triona is the Founding Director of Fortune Quality Accreditation Services. FQAS works with governments and international organisations including the WHO, developing strategy, governance and quality systems in health and social care. While Triona’s academic qualifications were obtained from Trinity College Dublin her true experience was gained as the sole carer of a brother taken too soon. Other Non Executive Director roles include Board member and Chair of Family Carers Ireland.

Christina Prendergast (Secretary)

Christina is a communications professional with experience in both the public and private sector.  She holds a MBA as well as qualifications in law, strategic communication and marketing.

Eamon O’Gorman (Treasurer)

  A Finance Professional with over 30 years’ broad experience, including over 27 years’ in a Global Multinational Corporation, gained in Financial Accounting, Reporting, Budgeting, Auditing, Treasury, Cash Management, Compliance and Risk Management.

Nuala Smyth (Vice Treasurer)

Our Vice Treasurer Nuala, is responsible for financial functions for Wicklow Dementia Support

Nuala has over 30 years’ experience in Finance, having worked for some of the largest IT & Banking Companies in the world including Dell, Microsoft, Bank of Boston and Fidelity

Investments.

Orla Finn

Orla Finn has a BA in Public Management and worked for a number of years in the International Dept of the Institute of Public Administration. After leaving the Institute, Orla spent 4 years living in Paris, France.
Since returning to Ireland Orla has been involved in her local Community on a voluntary basis. She has been responsible for establishing and assisting numerous local organisations and events. These include: The Greystones Southbeach Playground, Coderdojo, Light Up Greystones, Up Off The Couch, Greystones GAA Club, The Bray Soroptimists and The Bray Women’s Shed.
Orla joined WDS two years ago as its Head of Fundraising and in 2021 became a Board Member.

Douglas McLellan

Douglas worked in the charity and not for profit sector for over 25 years with roles in health policy, organisational development, community development and finally moving into IT leadership. Now works at a private hospital, taking a leading role their implmentation of cloud based communication and collaboration tools. A self-confessed geek.