We would like to introduce you to the Board members of Children in Hospital Ireland. All Board members give their time and skills free of charge.

Karen McAuley 

Chairperson

Kathy Ryan 

Board member

Vice Chairperson

Colette Mason
Board member

Georgina Lawless
Board member

Georgina has worked in a Marketing and Business Development capacity both in the private and public sector with 20 years of experience leading out on organisational and marketing strategies for organisations and is currently head of Fundraising & Engagement for Mental Health Ireland. She holds qualifications in Project Management (UCD), Digital Marketing (DBS), Advertising (DIT / IAPI) and specialised Higher Diplomas in Public Relations and Internal Communications and Training & Evaluation. Georgina is currently studying to gain her masters in Management & Marketing with TU Dublin.

Katie Hill
Board member

Dr. Katie Hill is an Assistant Professor in Children’s Nursing in UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Sciences. Katie completed her PhD in 2023. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in General and Children’s Nursing, a Masters degree in Child Health and Wellbeing, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education. Katie has a clinical background in the areas of children’s palliative care and children with complex care needs and their families; working in Ireland and in China. Katie joined the Board of Children in Hospital Ireland in 2022, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing organisation at a very exciting time in children’s healthcare in Ireland.

Jennifer Carey
Board member

Tracey Heffernan
Board member

Tracey Heffernan started with CIH Ireland as a volunteer back in 2006 and after a year had to give it up. She rejoined as a play volunteer in 2016 and was elected to the board in 2022. Tracey is a founding member of the Dublin 7 Women’s Shed and an active committee member.

Justin Keys
Board member