HMI Annual Conference 2025
22 October (09.00 – 16.30)
The Concert Hall
RDS
Dublin 4
Leading and Managing Health and Social Care in a VUCA World.
Embracing technology and innovation.
Adrian Ahern
Chief Executive, Leopardstown Park Hospital
Adrian who is Chief Executive at Leopardstown Park Hospital is a qualified psychiatric and general nurse. He has many years of experience in the public and private health services as a staff nurse, clinical teacher, addiction counsellor.
Adrian was appointed Local Administrator for Offaly Community Services with responsibility for the range of community services and was then appointed Hospital Administrator for Laois /Offaly Mental Health Services.
He worked in the Deputy CEO’s office in Midland Health Board, and in 1996 he was appointed as Manager for East Galway Mental Health and Older Peoples Services and later appointed General Manager Mental health services including the Western Regional CAMHS and oversaw the realignment of services in Galway, including the development of new buildings and services and re-engineering of posts to reorientate services to community-based model, and the new build of CAMHS unit at Merlin Park. He has presented at many conferences in Ireland and elsewhere and lectured on Strategic Management at Athlone Institute of Technology. In 2013 he assumed duty as Operations Manager in Ballinderry Nursing Home, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, and became its Person in Charge in August 2015. He is also a Council member of the Health Management Institute of Ireland and has been the Irish nominee to the European Association of Health Managers, Mental Health committee.
Kingsley Aikins
CEO of The Networking Institute
Expert in Networking, Diaspora Engagement & Philanthropy
Kingsley Aikins is an internationally recognised speaker, networker, and entrepreneur, specialising in networking, diaspora engagement, philanthropy, and fundraising. As founder and CEO of The Networking Institute, based in Dublin, he delivers dynamic training programmes on networking, public speaking, and diaspora engagement to audiences worldwide.
With a career spanning six countries, Kingsley has worked with governments, corporations, and non-profits, as well as global organisations including the EU, UN, and World Bank. Prior to launching The Networking Institute, he served as CEO of The Ireland Funds for 17 years, raising over half a billion dollars for projects across Ireland. His earlier career included senior roles with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, where he helped establish the Australian Ireland Fund and the Lansdowne Club.
In recognition of his outstanding work in business and philanthropy, Kingsley was awarded a CBE in 2008 for his contribution to British-Irish relations. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Economics and Politics, he also holds a postgraduate qualification in Export Marketing. Known for his engaging style and wealth of experience, Kingsley brings insight, humour, and practical takeaways to every event he hosts or speaks at.
Tony Canavan
Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West
Tony has worked in the Health Services in the West for over 30 years. Over that time he has held a number of appointments with the Western Health Board in the Mental Health Services, the Department of Public Health, Primary Care Services and Acute Hospitals Services. In 2012, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the first Hospital Group in the country known then as the Galway Roscommon University Hospitals Group, which subsequently became the Saolta Group and was extended to include Letterkenny and Sligo. In 2015, he became Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West before returning to the Saolta Group four years later as CEO. He took up the role of Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West in March 2024.
Tony is the immediate Past President of the Health Management Institute and is a member of the scientific subcommittee of the European Association of Hospital Mangers (EAHM).
Adrian Carroll
EHR, Senior Programme Manager, Children’s Health Ireland
Adrian Carroll is a clinical pharmacist by background with over a decade of experience leading complex and high-profile Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementations across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and mainland Europe. His expertise spans multiple EHR vendors, with a particular focus on medicines management and enterprise-wide digital transformation.
Since joining Children’s Health Ireland in early 2021, Adrian has been at the helm of the EHR Programme for the new children’s hospital—an ambitious initiative that will deliver Ireland’s first fully integrated digital hospital.
Breda Crehan-Roche
Healthcare and Social Care Systems Management Consultant
Breda is a highly accomplished and uniquely experienced healthcare executive and healthcare systems subject matter expert with over 35 years’ experience as a healthcare professional and senior executive at all levels of the Irish healthcare ecosystem.
Breda took early retirement from her most recent HSE position as Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West/CHO2 where she lead out on major transformational and reform programmes under Sláintecare across Primary Care, Disability, Mental Health, Older Persons Services and Health and Well-Being Services across counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. With a keen interest in integrated health system reform across complex healthcare services, Breda has a particular specialist interest in Disability Services and Community Care Services having worked as Chief Executive Officer of Ability West between 2005 and 2019 and also held a number of senior management positions, including senior roles In the Midland Health Board, as Assistant CEO of Community Care Services, Director of Services for Persons with Disabilities and for a short time as Assistant National Director of Social Inclusion in the newly formed Health Service Executive.
Breda is a Registered Nurse, Montessori Teacher, has an MSc in Economics and Healthcare Management from the University of Wales, a MBS from University of Limerick and a Certificate in Charity Law, Governance and Trusteeship from the Law Society. Breda continues to provide her expertise and health systems consulting services to a range of stakeholders across the healthcare system where the depth and breadth of her experience as a senior healthcare manager and commissioner provides invaluable insights and guidance to parties seeking to meaningfully participate in and to support the healthcare system to increase access to care and services and to ensure patient and service user centricity is the focal point for all initiatives.
As President of HMI, Breda is committed to the consolidation of networks and the provision of solid sounding boards to support healthcare managers in their pursuit of continuous professional development through synergies and reciprocal learning opportunities across Ireland and through the European Association of Healthcare Managers.
Michael Dowling
CEO Emeritus, Northwell Health
Michael Dowling is one of health care’s most influential voices, taking a stand on societal issues such as gun violence and immigration that many health system CEOs shy away from. As president and CEO of Northwell Health, he lead a clinical, academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 104,000 and an annual operating budget of $22.6 billion.
Mr. Dowling has been honoured with many awards over the years. In 2024, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland presented him with an Honorary Fellowship, the organisation’s highest honour that recognises those who have made significant contributions, and who can inspire future generations of surgical leaders. In 2020, he received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, which recognises individuals for their contributions to Ireland and to Irish communities abroad, presented by the President of Ireland. He also received an honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and is a board member of the Foreign Policy Association.
In addition, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a number of honorary degrees from Fordham University, University College Dublin (Ireland) and the prestigious Queen’s University Belfast.
In 2020, Mr. Dowling received the Deming Cup from the Columbia Business School and has been ranked No. 1 on Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2022. In 2017, he served as the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC. He also chairs the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
Prior to joining Northwell in 1995, Mr. Dowling served in New York State government for 12 years. He held several leadership roles, including director of health, education and human services; commissioner of social services and deputy secretary and chief adviser to former Governor Mario Cuomo.
Mr. Dowling was previously a professor of social policy and an assistant dean of Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Services.
Maria Ferguson
Regional Director of People, HSE West and North West Health Region
Ms. Maria Ferguson is Regional Director of People, HSE West and North West Health Region and was appointed in September 2024. Prior to taking up the role, Maria worked as Head of Human Resources, HSE Community Healthcare area with responsibility for all HR services delivery in Counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo. Maria has over 25 years of experience of working in various roles in the public and private sectors. Maria has gained wide ranging experience of developing and delivering HR strategies, working collaboratively at local, regional and national level, and in partnership with the community & voluntary sector agencies, education and training bodies. As Regional Director of People, Maria is leading the Human Resources function within and across the Health Region, to support the changing structure and workforce with a focus on change management, leadership and development support.
Adam Harris
Founder and CEO, AsIAm
Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland. In addition to his leadership at AsIAm, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020 and served as a Executive Council Member for Autism Europe. He is a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee and has sat on and advised many government consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion, which have helped shape national policies for a more inclusive society. A passionate public speaker and advocate, Adam regularly contributes to media and conferences in Ireland and overseas, engaging with government and the public to promote greater understanding and acceptance of Autistic individuals. His work has positioned AsIAm as a cornerstone of autism advocacy in Ireland, driven by his belief that Ireland must become a country in which every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected.
Kate Killeen White
Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and Midlands
Kate is a dedicated and accomplished leader with over 16 years of senior operational experience in the health, regulatory, and legal sectors. She holds a Barrister-at-Law degree, a Master’s in Law, and Executive Diplomas in Governance and Coaching. Kate specialises in Health Policy, Public Administration, Corporate Governance, with expertise in corporate restructuring, reform, and change management.
With extensive people management experience, Kate thrives in dynamic environments, using her empowering leadership style to support senior leaders in complex settings. As Regional Executive Officer for HSE Dublin and Midlands, she oversees the delivery of high-quality, safe, and accessible services for the region.
Mary Kirwan
Head of Human Resource, Bon Secours Hospital Dublin
Mary brings over 25 years of leadership experience across Public and Private Healthcare, Banking, Information Technology and HR Consultancy. She has held senior HR roles in complex, high-performing organisations where she has led workforce planning, organisational development, change management, and culture transformation initiatives. Her career is marked by a strong focus on employee wellbeing, leadership development, and building resilient, people-centred workplaces in fast-paced, regulated environments.
A graduate in HR Management from the National College of Ireland, a post graduate diploma in Quality Improvement Leadership from the Royal College of Physicians, (RCPI) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Leadership from the Royal College of Surgeons, (RCSI), Mary brings a unique blend of clinical and corporate insight to her HR practice. Her qualifications in Mediation and Coaching further enhance her ability to navigate conflict, support leadership development, and drive meaningful engagement across all levels of an organisation.
In addition to her operational HR expertise, she served as a board member in the healthcare sector, where she contributed strategic HR and governance input to support excellence in patient care and workforce sustainability.
Passionate about ethical leadership and continuous improvement, she is widely recognised as a trusted advisor and advocate for inclusive, future-ready workplaces.
Anne Marie Hoey
Chief People Officer, National Human Resources, HSE
Anne Marie Hoey is the Chief People Officer for the HSE and has led National HR since 2019. She has over 30 years’ experience in the Irish health service, holding a number of senior management roles, across acute hospitals, community services and PCRS. She has led on a number of strategic improvement programmes for HR in the HSE as National Director since 2019. She holds a BSc in management in addition to a Master’s Degree in Health Service Management from Trinity College and is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD.
Sharon Morrow
CEO, Bon Secours Hospital Dublin
Sharon qualified as a RGN at the Adelaide Hospital and held a number of positions at the Adelaide Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital and St James’s Hospital before moving to the HSE, National Clinical Strategy and Planning Directorate as National Programme Manager for Rheumatology, Neurology, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Epilepsy and Home Antimicrobial Therapy. In addition to a BSc (Hons) and MBA, Sharon has a MSc in Medical Ethics & Law and a Prof Diploma in Corp Governance, is a Black Belt in Lean/6 Sigma and a Crew/Team Resource Management Instructor. She subsequently held the post of Deputy CEO /Chief Operations Officer Tallaght University Hospital, CEO of LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice and Director of the All-Ireland Children’s Cardiac Network before taking up her current position as CEO of Bon Secour Hospital, Dublin.
Lucy Nugent
CEO, Children’s Health Ireland
Lucy took up the role of CEO of Children’s Health Ireland on the 20th of January 2025. Prior to this, Lucy was the CEO of Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) since 2019. Lucy’s previous roles in TUH included that of COO and DCEO. Before joining TUH she worked in the HSE in the Acute Hospitals Division as Head of Quality Assurance & Risk Management and Clinical & Patient Services Manager in the Children’s University Hospital Temple Street.
Lucy has worked in a number of nursing roles as a registered general and children’s nurse and holds a BSc, MSc, RCPI Diploma in QI & Leadership and is a graduate of the IESE Business School Advanced Management Programme, Barcelona. She is a Past President of the Health Management Institute of Ireland and is currently the President of the European Association of Hospital Managers and is the first female to hold this role since it was founded in 1970.
John Maher
Head of Information and Technology, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin
John is Head of Information and Technology at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has 36 years of experience working extensively within healthcare information management. His current responsibilities include ICT strategy, infrastructure design and management, cybersecurity oversight, and digital transformation.
His professional background covers software development, project management, and consultancy across both Irish and international healthcare organisations. He has also contributed to the development of dispensing solutions for the community pharmacy sector in Ireland and the UK and recently led the implementation of the TrakCare EPR within the NRH.
Damien McCallion
Chief Technology and Transformation Officer and Deputy CEO Health Service Executive
Damien McCallion is the HSE’s Chief Technology and Transformation Officer with responsibility for technology, information security, data governance and digital development. Damien is the HSE Director for the Sláintecare Programme, overseeing the HSE’s medium to long term transformation programmes. Damien is also the lead for the HSE’s Organisational Change Unit, overseeing reform and transformation in the HSE. Damien is also Deputy CEO of the HSE.
Damien was the HSE’s Chief Operations Officer from mid 2022 to June 2024, responsible for oversight of day-to-day health and social care operations in the HSE and over 100,000 staff.
He took on a lead role in the COVID-19 pandemic response as the head of the successful Vaccination and Test & Trace programmes, a key part of the nation’s public health response to the pandemic. He held a variety of roles prior to this within the HSE, from Screening Services, Head of the National Ambulance Service, Head of ICT, National Director for Emergency Management and Special Delivery Unit, and an Area Manager for Health Services in the North West. He has also had a lead role in cross border health programmes, as Chair and Director General of CAWT, and the organisation Safefood as Deputy Chair, for a number of years.
Prior to working in the Health Service he worked for ten years in the airline industry. Damien originally qualified from Letterkenny IT in computing and subsequently completed an MSC in Innovation Management from University of Ulster and Letterkenny IT.
Caroline O’Regan
Executive Development Specialist, Graduate School of Healthcare Management (GSM), RCSI
Caroline brings over 35 years of leadership experience in Irish and international healthcare, including the Middle East. She collaborates with executive leaders, clinicians, and managers to deliver multidisciplinary leadership development programmes and executive coaching. Caroline holds an MSc in Education and Development, is an Accredited Professional Executive Coach (AC), Accreditation Lead (AC), Qualified Mediator (MII), and Coach Supervisor (Oxford). She has also completed Compassionate Practice training at Stanford University.
Caroline played a strategic role in Irish healthcare reform and currently serves as Programme Director, Executive Development Specialist at the Royal College of Surgeons. A founding member of the Office for Health Management, she contributed to the HSE People Strategy. She is deeply committed to systems leadership, values-driven transformation, and fostering compassionate practice in complex healthcare environments.
Mellany McLoone
Integrated Health Area Manager, Dublin North City and Dublin North West
Mellany McLoone was appointed to the position of Integrated Health Area (IHA) Manager for Dublin North City and Dublin North West, from 1st October 2024. She has previously held the position of Chief Officer of Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City and County (CHO DNCC) since March 2019.
As IHA Manager, Mellany is responsible for the delivery of Community and Acute services in Dublin North City and Dublin North West geographical area.
With significant experience in the Irish public health system over the past three decades, she has worked in a number of senior management and leadership roles in the areas of human resources, business support and operational management in hospitals, community services and Tusla.
Mellany holds a Masters in Organisational Leadership from the Royal College of Surgeon’s Institute of Leadership and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Employment Law from Kings Inn. She has also been awarded a Degree in HR and Industrial Relations from the National College of Ireland and the Irish Management Institute’s Graduate Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership and Health Service.
June Stanley
Chief Executive Officer, National Rehabilitation Hospital
June is a senior executive with a 30-year track record of accomplishment in healthcare and financial Services. After commencing her career working in both banking and insurance, June moved into healthcare in 2003; holding senior management positions in St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group, Hermitage Medical Clinic and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. She now holds the position of Chief Executive at the National Rehabilitation Hospital having previously held the role of Deputy CEO / Director of Operational Services. She is currently studying for a Doctorate in Business Administration and holds an MSc in Management and Application of IT in Accounting, Diploma in Corporate Governance and Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma for healthcare. Professionally, June is a Chartered Internal Auditor and Accountant (FCCA), and has served on a number of Boards.
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