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.