Announcing the New Chair of BeLonG To Youth Services

Announcing the New Chair of BeLonG To Youth Services

Tuesday, January 9th, 2018

We are delighted to announce that Nikki Gallagher, Director of Communications & Secretariat at SOLAS, has been selected as Chairperson of our Board of Directors. Nikki takes over from Anna Quigley, who stepped down as Chairperson of BeLonG To Youth Services in December after dedicating 10 years to improving the lives of LGBTI+ young people in Ireland. During this time Anna oversaw milestones including the development of nationwide LGBTI+ youth groups, provision of specialised a counselling service and Marriage Equality.

Nikki brings with her an impressive track record in Governance, Public Affairs and Communications and a strong commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of children. Nikki has been a member of the Board of BeLonG To for one and a half years. Her previous roles include Senior Communications Manager at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office and Press Officer for Fine Gael.

Welcoming the announcement, Moninne Griffith, Executive Director of BeLonG To said: “We are delighted that Nikki is taking up the role of Chair of our Board of Directors. She does so at an exciting time for the organisation as we prepare for the launch of the LGBTI+ Youth Strategy and the Gender Recognition Act Review in 2018.

Nikki has been a passionate and dedicated member of our Board and a longstanding ally and supporter of our mission, and I am confident that she will be an excellent Chair. I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

In a statement following her appointment, Nikki said: “I am really delighted to have become Chair of BeLonG To and I am grateful to my Board colleagues for their support. I appreciate that I have big shoes to fill taking over from Anna Quigley, who did such a brilliant job as Chair. I look forward to working with the Board, Moninne and the team as BeLonG To continues to provide crucial supports for, and advocate on behalf of LGBTI+, young people in Ireland.”

Ends

 For more information, please contact Sinead Keane, BeLonG To Youth Services: 087 768 0389  or sinead@belongto.org