Julie Silke Daly joined Ability West as Chief Executive Officer in January 2024. She brings to the organisation strong managerial experience, strategic vision, sound judgement, ability to make quick and appropriate decisions, with proven leadership ability. Originally Julie started her career as a Registered Nurse, with Postgraduate qualifications in neuroscience, intensive care, gerontology and infection prevention control. She has completed further education in employment law and holds an MBA in healthcare management. She has led multi-disciplinary teams through intense change, working as Clinical Nurse Manager in intensive care and as a Director of Nursing in Older Persons Sacred Heart Roscommon and Manager of Older Person Services Mayo, Roscommon, Galway. When the crisis in Áras Attracta occurred, Julie was appointed to lead the changes required and transition the persons that were supported to a community setting, and ensure the service was safe and compliant with regulations which was all successfully achieved. During the Covid pandemic Julie led on clinical supports for Community Healthcare West and following the pandemic worked in conjunction with Area Director of Public Health in delivering the reform programme in Public Health.

Cristina Mendes joined Ability West as Director of Human Resources in January 2023 with overall responsibility for the organisation’s HR operational and strategic direction. She has over 20 years’ human resources experience, including recruitment, talent management, conflict resolution, change management, training and development, employee relations and performance management. The last five years since moving to Ireland Cristina has worked for non-profit organisations focusing on homelessness and older people services. She is a strong advocate for change and staff wellbeing.

Claire McGinley joined Ability West as a Service Improvement lead in March 2024 before becoming the Director of Quality, Risk, Compliance and Nursing in July 2024.

Claire started her Nursing career working In an Ear Nose and Throat unit in the UK, and then continued on to work in Intensive Care, Dialysis, and Pain Management before returning to Ireland in 2000. In Ireland, she returned to work in Intensive Care as a Practice Development Co-ordinator and as a Clinical Nurse Manager. Claire completed a H. Dip in Palliative Care while working at Galway Hospice and went onto become the Director of Quality and Operations.

Clare also completed a Graduate Diploma in Healthcare (Risk Management & Quality Management) and an M.Sc. in Healthcare Management & Organisation.  During the Covid pandemic Claire worked as a Director of Nursing in Older Persons Services following which she worked with HIQA as an Inspector - Older Persons services.

Peter joined Ability West in 2016 and has many years’ experience in management and the construction industry and has built a strong relationship with key stakeholders in estates and property development in Galway City and County. In his role as Director of Estates and Transport, Peter has overall responsibility for the Ancillary Services department which includes housing, property management, tenant management, maintenance, technical services, fleet management and transport routes. By Q3, 2024, Peter will have overseen the growth in Ability West’s property portfolio by 30% since joining the organisation.

Mary Foyle joined Ability West in Janurary 2005 and is the Director of Operations for Galway West at Ability West. A qualified nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS), Mary has built a diverse and impactful career across several leading disability service providers, including Muiríosa Foundation, Cheeverstown House, and Stewarts Care.

She holds a Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership and Management, and brings to her role a strong foundation in both clinical practice and strategic service delivery. Mary has worked across a wide range of service models, including residential care, respite services, and day programmes, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the needs and supports required across the lifespan.

Her leadership is grounded in person-centred values, operational excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Mary is known for her collaborative approach, her ability to navigate complex service environments, and her dedication to ensuring high-quality outcomes for individuals supported by Ability West.

Orla Haddigan originally joined Ability West in 2007 and is now currently the Director of Operations for Galway East. Orla originally joined Ability West as a Person in Charge in 2007 and since then has held a number of roles including Assistant Director of Client Services and also interim Director of Services for a period of 14 months. Orla moved into a different role with the Brothers of Charity in 2022 for a period of 3 years before returning to Ability West in August 2025.

She holds a Professional Degree in Social Care and brings to her role a strong foundation in strategic service delivery and knowledge of working frontline.

John Feely joined Ability West in May 2019. A qualified accountant with a Bachelor of Business Studies, John has experience across a number of sectors including SMEs, Multinationals & Not for Profit.

John was appointed Director of Finance in August 2025.  John promotes the importance of good financial management and governance of organisational resources to ensure organisational strategy and goals are achieved. Furthermore, he is committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible experience to the people we support, our staff and the wider community.

John is responsible for analysing the company’s financial activity and managing the annual budget to include preparation meetings, processing, reviewing, implementing, reporting and quarterly monitor and implement controls to ensure over-runs do not occur. John also produces costings and expenditure options regarding various projects, new developments and initiatives.

David Woods is an IT Professional with 10+ years of experience in the field, working within both large organisations and small startups varying from E-Commerce to Medical Diagnostics.  

Coming from a background of both IT project and infrastructure planning, while also bringing in the important people and culture elements of the business into these initiatives.  

David sees technology and the IT Team, as not a bottleneck for the organisation, but a place where great training and empowerment can be found, while also keeping the organisation and its users data safe and secure.