KCYS
KCYS Trustees
Luna Atkins
Trustee
Luna is Director of Advisory Services at 2into3, a consultancy focussed on building the capacity of organisations to have a transformative social impact. She specialises in supporting charities and non-profits to develop ambitious yet achievable strategic plans and to increase their impact and organisational effectiveness.
Luna has dedicated her career to supporting values-led organisations and is passionate about social and economic justice and human rights. Prior to consulting, Luna worked with Amnesty International, UNICEF UK, Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, and UNICEF’s Education Outcomes Fund. She holds an MSc in Globalisation & Development from SOAS: University of London, and a Professional Diploma in Change Management from UCD Professional Academy.
Gavin Donaldson
Trustee
Gavin has over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector in both the UK and Ireland, currently as Head of Development at Focus Housing Association, the housing arm of Focus Ireland.
Gavin has extensive experience of leading teams in the delivery of front-line services, and in the strategic and operational delivery of capital development programmes. He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and is also on the advisory board of the Chartered Institute of Housing (Ireland).
As a new member of the board, Gavin looks forward to bringing his life and work experience to supporting KCYS provide excellent services and create opportunities for young people.
Aoife Dare
Trustee
Aoife joined the Board in April 2023. She is a qualified youth worker and is the Youth and Education Officer with the Irish Refugee Council, where she supports young people aged 16-25 who are seeking international protection in Ireland. Prior to joining IRC, Aoife worked with Nasc Ireland in Cork and with young people fleeing persecution in Thailand and Myanmar. Although Aoife is new to the KDYS Board, she has been involved with the organisation over the years, initially as a youth work placement student and more recently as a project partner, running an integration project for young women in Direct Provision. Aoife has an MA in International Education and Development, a PGDip in Youth Work and is currently undertaking a PhD in Social Science with UCC, where she is a 2023/2024 UCC Excellence Scholar. Aoife is passionate about supporting young people to realise their goals, access their rights and reach their full potential.
John O’Regan
Trustee
John O’ Regan BA,HDE,HDSDP,M.Ed.
- Former Principal of a large second level school.
- Initiator and founding member of Tralee Education Support Centre.
- Part-time lecturer/tutor: Communications, Strategic Planning, Decision making, Leadership, GDPR etc.
- Significant contribution in the establishment and development of a new publishing company of Primary and Secondary school textbooks.
- Long history of community development activity: Credit Union, Group Water Scheme, GAA and other sports, Strategic Development Plan for Leader funding application, Youth activities and many other local development and service projects.
- Former National President, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Irish League of Credit Unions.
- Treasurer of the Education Support Centres of Ireland Association.
- Director of KCYS
Arlene Harmann
Trustee
Arlene started her accountancy career in Ireland but has been fortunate enough to work and live in both the UK and the US, working with large multinationals to provide insight into key business drivers and results.
Following several years as an independent consultant delivering sales plans, business valuations and business transformation programs she returned to Kerry and currently leads a team responsible for the forecasting and planning cycles at Glanbia Nutritionals.
She is passionate about giving back and sharing knowledge , she is a first line judge in the Good Governance Awards, a mentor at work and treasurer of the employee resource group – Network of women.
She holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from Dublin City University, a Diploma in Business administration from Henley Management College and is a member of the Association of Chartered Management Accountants.
Selena Ross
Board Secretary
Selena Ross is a native of Tralee. Having previously studied at MTU and graduating from UCC she then went on to further her studies in both administration and counselling courses.
After ten years in retail management, Selena made the move to the organisation where she has worked as Centre Manager for the past three years.
New to the board since 2023 Selena looks forward to bringing her years of experience in both management and people development to the role.
Shane O’ Donoghue
Trustee and Acting Chairperson
Shane joined the Board of KCYS in 2012. A Solicitor with over twenty years experience in private practice, Shane is currently the Property Administrator for the Diocese of Kerry. As part of his current role Shane works closely with schools and has a strong commitment to education. Shane serves on the Boards of Management of a number of primary and post primary schools and he also serves on a number of other local and diocesan committees.
In addition to his legal and professional qualification, Shane holds a B.A. (Hons) in European Studies and an M.A. in European Integration. He sees the ongoing development of the Euróg Youth Centre as being very important in providing a unique opportunity for young people to connect to Europe and in providing them with new and exciting opportunities.
Shane has a wide range of interests and has been involved in amateur dramatics for many years. He has appeared on stage in various plays and has also appeared in two pantomimes as well as in a radio play on RTE. Shane is a passionate supporter of the work of KCYS in assisting young people to achieve their goals, creating opportunities for young people and helping them to make valuable contributions to their community.