Under her leadership, rowing has become one of Ireland’s most successful Olympic sports, achieving two recent Olympic golds, two bronze, and a remarkable number of international medals.
Michelle’s strategic vision has transformed Rowing Ireland, doubling the budget, implementing an organisational restructuring, and launching a new strategic plan. Her commitment to athlete safety led to the acclaimed *Row Safe* programme, recognised for setting industry-leading standards, while membership has grown by 150%, with affiliated clubs increasing by 50%.
Michelle’s dedication to innovation is seen in initiatives like Get Going…Get Rowing, which has introduced over 45,000 students to the sport. Her leadership in Women in Sport has advanced female participation to achieve a 50/50 gender balance from clubs to board. Recognising the future of coastal rowing, Michelle integrated it into Rowing Ireland, establishing pathways and resources to position Irish athletes for success at the LA 2028 Olympics.
With a collaborative approach and deep commitment to athlete and club development, Michelle feels she would bring exceptional value to the Olympic Federation of Ireland Board, advancing its mission and Ireland’s presence on the world stage.
| Skill Set | Detail |
|---|---|
| Financial Expertise | As CEO, I have successfully driven significant financial growth for Rowing Ireland, increasing turnover signifcantly over five years through strategic budget planning and disciplined financial management. I am dedicated to financial transparency, working closely with auditors to uphold reporting standards and ensure long-term sustainability. |
| Legal Acumen | My leadership roles have provided me with hands-on experience in managing legal affairs, including contract negotiations and ensuring compliance with employment law. I prioritise protecting Rowing Ireland’s interests while maintaining full legal adherence across all operations. |
| Risk / Compliance | I have developed robust frameworks to manage financial, operational, and reputational risks. By implementing policies centered on ethical standards, I have reinforced Rowing Ireland’s reputation and built trust with stakeholders. I am a member of the OFI audit and risk committee. |
| Sports Administration | With over 10 years in sports administration, I have brought deep expertise in managing all aspects of operations, from talent development to large-scale event organisation. I have had the privilege of leading one of Ireland’s most successful high-performance sports initiatives, elevating the nation’s standing on the global stage. Working with government bodies, sports federations, and community partners, I have helped Rowing Ireland expand its influence and drive growth across the sporting sector increasing membership significantly and growth of clubs |
| Governance | My governance experience has enhanced accountability, transparency, and strategic oversight within Rowing Ireland and have led significant changes in Rowing Ireland governance. |
| Information Technology | Recognising the importance of technology in modern sports, I have led digital transformation initiatives that boosted membership and operational efficiency. I have also ensured Rowing Ireland’s compliance with cybersecurity standards, safeguarding sensitive data and promoting technological advancement. |
| High Performance Sport | Leading Rowing Ireland through the last two Olympiads, I bring extensive experience in high-performance sports. My work has directly contributed to improved competitive outcomes, elevating Rowing Ireland’s standing and reputation on the international stage. |
| Commercial / Marketing | My expertise in stakeholder management through running the successful Get Going…Get Rowing programme has enabled partnerships and commercial expansion essential for Rowing Ireland’s long-term success. I bring substantial experience, including leading the Euro 2002 information campaign across 15 languages. Fluent in French with a working knowledge of German I am well-equipped to communicate across cultures, which has strengthened Rowing Ireland’s international partnerships and outreach. |
| Human Resources | I have extensive experience in talent management, organisational development, leadership development, workplace relations and promoting diversity and inclusion. I am committed to fostering a collaborative, empowering culture that aligns with Rowing Ireland’s mission, enhancing employee engagement and retention. |