Governance

Richard Hanlon (Chairperson)
Richard currently works with the Professional Services firm Aon as their Head of Cyber Solutions UK and European Chief Commerical officer. Based in Louth, Richard is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and holds a Masters in Human Resource Strategies from Dublin City University. Richard has held a number of board roles in the voluntary sector and is currently also Chair of the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

Qing Cao (Vice Treasurer)

Qing is a chartered accountant with 10 years' of professional experience in delivering trusted advice and insights through audit & assurance projects in Governance, Risk Management and Internal Controls. Qing has returned as an LVC Board member in 2026. Prior to joining An Garda Síochána, Qing has accumulated experience from public & private sectors including OCAG, AIB plc, PwC and ESB in risk, controls, compliance, quality & Standards, financial reporting, change management and data analytics.

‍Javed Afzal
Javed moved to Ireland in April 2017 and made Drogheda his new home. Having worked primarily in banks in the UAE, he now operates as an independent business consultant and been active in bringing FDI for real estate and tech projects in Ireland.

‍Linda Stevens
Linda is an experienced former Executive Director (retired) with a track record of accomplishment and leadership in the development of innovative enterprise at University of Limerick namely a successful summer conference and events business now worth €2.5m to campus and €6m to the Shannon region. Linda is formerly the community manager of Carlingford Heritage centre.

‍Tara Brady
Tara was most recently head of HR Global with Horseware Bidco Ltd and a member of the group Senior Executive team reporting directly into the Group CEO, attending the monthly Board meetings and presenting on behalf of the groups HR function.

Dorcas Olagbemiro

Dorcas Olagbemiro is an Experienced and dedicated financial professional with a strong commitment to excellence. Proven track record in driving success within financial services through proactive and efficient contributions.

Susan McDermott

Susan McDermott joined the Louth Volunteer Centre Board in March 2026. Susan has over a decade of experience working in strategic communications and public affairs in both the Irish public sector and private sector. She most recently worked as Senior Strategy and Communications Manager for the National Asset Management Agency. Susan holds a PhD in political science from University College Dublin and more recently a diploma in Public Relations.

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‍Board Subgroups:

Risk and Financial Governance:  Javed Afzal and Dorcas Olagbemiro

Communications and Strategy: Linda Stevens(Chair)

‍HR: Richard Hanlon(Chair); Tara Brady

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020

We are committed to attaining and maintaining the highest standards of governance. In order to ensure confidence in our work, transparency and accountability are our priorities.

• We are compliant with the original Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations
• We are nearing the end of our compliance journey towards the Charities Governance Code as set out by the Charities Regulator
• We have commenced the process of Charities SORP (FRS102) in our financial statements
• We work in compliance with the Charities Act 2009 and the Companies Act 2014.
• We were shortlisted for a Carmichael Ireland Good Governance Award in 2020
• We have achieved the National Volunteer Centres Quality Standard Award

Click on the link to view the Louth Volunteer Centre Constitution