For immediate release
Dublin, 19 November 2020: EM Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell, has been elected as a Vice President of the board European Movement International, the largest and most influential pan-European, membership-based organisation, at its Federal Assembly today. The position of Vice-President is a significant and senior leadership position which encompasses European Movement councils in 34 countries in addition to 38 international associations representing civil society, business, trade unions, NGOs, political groups and academics.
Noelle O Connell said, “It is an honour to have my colleagues from across Europe place their confidence in me to become a Vice President of the board EM International. I look forward to working with the EM International President, board and membership on shaping and driving European Movement International’s positions on the challenges and opportunities facing us in what are unprecedented times. I particularly want to ensure the organisation takes a proactive role in the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe and that we harness the diverse opinions and perspectives of our extensive membership base.
“Alongside my current position of CEO of EM Ireland, I stood for election to this position because I believe it is important that the perspectives of all member states are represented at leadership levels across the EU. At a time when Ireland is looking to its post-Brexit future as an EU member, I hope the relationships and opportunities to be gained from being a Vice President of European Movement International can help inform deliberations about the shape of that future.
“I look forward to working with all our members and stakeholders across Europe on the important issues that face us.”
ENDS
Press Queries:
Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, Head of Communications, European Movement Ireland |
087 9503539 E: lisa@europeanmovement.ie
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Notes:
- Contact Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh as above to arrange for interview/ comment;
- Tá cainteoirí Gaeilge ar fáil le hagallaimh a dhéanamh;
- About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish NGO working on European affairs. An independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation, EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. We facilitate links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, education programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events.
- About EMI International: The European Movement is the largest pan-European network of pro-European organisations. It is present in 34 countries and encompasses 38 International Associations, bringing together European civil society, business, trade unions, NGOs, political parties, local authorities and academia. Founded 70 years ago, EM International has continuously advocated in favour of European co-operation and integration, based on the principles of peace, democracy, liberty, solidarity, equality, justice, the respect for human rights and the rule of law. Today the European Movement seeks to provide a platform to encourage and facilitate the active participation of citizens and stakeholders from a cross-section of sectors in the development of European solutions to our common challenges. The European Movement offers thought leadership on the issues that confront Europe; seek to inform the debates on our Union’s future, involve citizens and stakeholders in the decisions that affect them and influence policy-makers in favour of an open and transparent Europe. The European Movement aims to be the place where civil society, business, trade unions, NGOs, political parties, local authorities and academia come together to craft a way forward for the European Union. The European Movement seeks to develop new ideas to address the challenges faced, be it economic or political.
- About Noelle O Connell: Noelle has been the CEO of EM Ireland since April 2011 with overall responsibility for all governance, financial and operational matters of the organisation in growing its development as it works to further strengthen the connection between Ireland and Europe. Noelle is also the official spokesperson for the organisation and has regularly presented in national and international media in addition to leading on a variety of national and international training, communications, education, outreach and citizen engagement programmes on behalf of EM Ireland. Prior to joining EM Ireland, she provided business development training, education and public affairs consultancy to a wide variety of both private and public sector clients including government bodies and in the third level sector including HEA, Fulbright Commission, Irish Research Councils. She held management consultancy positions in Accenture; headed up the Training, Education and Business Development function of the Construction Industry Federation, and was formerly a Director on the Board of the semi state agency, Skillnets. Noelle previously worked on Business Development and Member relations for the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society in addition to working with Thea and on an Interreg Programme. She is a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training and Development, and International Leadership Fellow of the Society of St. George Windsor Castle, a member of the CIPD and the Institute of Directors of Ireland, a voluntary Board Director of Alliance Française Ireland and Chair of the UCC Dublin Alumni Chapter. In 2017, she was awarded the Chévalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, the second highest national order of France by the President of the Republic of France for public service between Ireland and France. A qualified coach, she holds a BA Hons in European Studies and Languages from UCC, DEUF diploma from Université Jean Moulin, Lyon III, France and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Edinburgh Scotland.