Dr Niall O’Keeffe is Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Cork City Council. Niall has over 12 years of CEO experience across a range of sectors including four years as the Chief Executive for Economic Development on the island of St Helena. He has developed award winning organisations and led significant change management programmes. With a Doctorate in Business Administration (Business Economics) and an MBA from University College Cork, Niall continues to seek out best practice in organisational development. His interests include entrepreneurship, music, film and sport.

Deirdre is Fáilte Ireland’s representative, working on the Ireland’s Ancient Team, in Cork City. Deirdre has gained a wealth of experience, working in Ireland and abroad in business development, destination development and stakeholder engagement. Her focus is now centred on Cork City, working with stakeholders and businesses to deliver the five-year destination and experience development plan for Cork City and East Cork. Deirdre has a keen interest in sustainability and often opts for the two-wheeled commute.

Alan Healy has worked as a journalist for almost 20 years with a range of news media outlets including the Western People and The Kingdom regional titles before becoming a senior reporter and deputy News Editor of The Echo. He joined the Irish Examiner in January 2020 as the editor of the newly formed Munster Business Hub which covers property, home, farming and Munster business content.

Evelyn’s experience in the conference, meetings and incentive industry spans from 1999 to present. Her career has progressed in a very fluid way from Operations, Project Management and Client Relations to Destination Marketing. In 2010, when Evelyn returned to Cork, she secured the role of General Manager of Cork Convention Bureau (CCB). CCB is a public-private, stakeholder driven, Destination Management Organisation (DMO), tasked with promoting the Cork region as an international meetings and events destination.

Dave has extensive experience serving Ireland’s largest privately owned businesses across key sectors. As Xeinadin’s Head of Tax Ireland, he supports major private and fast-growth businesses. Dave leads Xeinadin’s Ireland Tax Team, specializing in company reorganizations, corporate and personal tax planning, VAT advisory, revenue audits, and estate planning. He has successfully guided many businesses through exits. A member of an EU VAT group, Dave helps independent firms compete with Big 4 providers on EU-wide services. He is highly respected by Irish Revenue for his technical expertise and results-driven approach. Recently, Dave joined the Praxity Group on behalf of Xeinadin, expanding its global tax services. He is also set to become President of the Cork Business Association.

Auriol Kelly is a Cork‑based Business Banking Manager at PTSB, where she partners with SMEs to drive growth, empower ambition, and simplify financial decision‑making. With over twenty years of experience in financials services, she brings a sharp, solutions‑focused mindset. Auriol is a strong advocate for Cork’s business community, regularly championing the region’s resilience and economic outlook.