Volunteer Directors of CLAY
CLAY is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who are responsible for the governance, oversight, and major decision-making within CLAY, representing both the interests of shareholders and stakeholders.
Deirdre O'Gorman (Chairperson) | Ben Wood (Vice Chairperson) | Frank Crummey | Siobhra Disdale |
Martin Leavy | Amir Afsar | Brendan Sheridan
If you would like to volunteer to assist the Board or perhaps become a Member or Director please
CLAY's young people asked our Board some questions - you can see their answers here
Chairperson
Deirdre O'Gorman
Deirdre joined the CLAY Board in December 2022. She has extensive experience in all areas of Human Resource Management, from human capital management to strategic planning. Working in the technology sector, across multi-nationals and start up companies, she has served as a senior business partner to C Suite teams. Deirdre has a Masters in HRM from The National College of Ireland (NCI).
In her spare time, Deirdre is a keen runner, gym enthusiast and proud mum of a grown up son.
Director
Frank Crummey
Frank Crummey works as a Risk and Compliance Officer and has over 15 years of experience in various senior IT management roles. He has a Degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering (DIT Kevin Street) and a Diploma in Legal Studies (DIT Aungier Street). Frank is a certified Data Protection Practitioner, has a Professional Certificate in Governance and is a Certified Information Security Manager. Frank is a Director of TU Dublin Students Union CLG and chairperson of their Finance Audit and Risk Committee. In December 2020, Frank was appointed to the board of Leargas by the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Frank advises the boards of several charities on best practice with regard to governance and how to comply with the governance code. You can see more on Frank’s LinkedIn Profile here.
Vice Chairperson
Ben Wood
Managing Director EMEA App Dev, Google Customer Solutions Google, Dublin Ireland
Ben runs the team responsible for helping App Development clients accelerate and grow their businesses through Google ad solutions in EMEA. Ben has spent the last 16 years at Google, working in the UK , US (launching and scaling the Channel Sales business in the US, LATAM and CA) and now Ireland with App Dev. Prior to Google he ran various sales, marketing and publisher teams in the publishing industry. He is a board member of Leave No Trace Ireland and CLAY. He is actively involved in raising money for local charities and coaching local kids sports teams. Outside of this he spends his time with his wife and four kids playing, watching and talking about sport !
Director
Martin Leavy
Martin Leavy B.A., M.A., M.Sc. is now retired after more than 30 years in the employment of Dublin City University. Martin’s last role with DCU was as Head of Learning and Organisational Development, HR. Currently, as well as being a CLAY board member Martin is an external member of Tallaght University Hospital’s Advisory Committee on Staff and Organisational Development and a former trustee of the Quaker Council for European Affairs, Brussels.
Director
Siobhra Disdale
Siobhra Disdale has been a member of the board for over 10 years and is one of the Business Reps on the board. She lives locally and works in HR for a large multinational.
Director
Brendan Sheridan
Brendan is a Chartered Accountant. Brendan worked for most of his career with Deloitte, specialising in audit, technical accounting matters and regulatory reporting. He retired in January 2023. Brendan spent a number of years as Treasurer of a major Dublin sports club, on a voluntary basis. He currently is on the Board of two charities engaged in youth development.
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Director
Amir Afsar
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Director
This could be you!
If you would like to assist the Board or perhaps become a Member or Director please contact us
Q1
What music do you like, what's your favourite song?
Q2
What hobbies do you have?
Q3
What makes you want to do what you do for CLAY?
Q4
What's your McDonalds order?
Q5
Which do you prefer, Lyons or Barrys tea?
Deirdre
Q1. I like lots of different types of music. My current Spotify list has Beyonce, Coldplay, Queen, Ed Sheeran, Abba, Eagles, George Michael and Bruce Springsteen. My all-time favourite song is Dancing Queen by Abba. (I must dance when it comes on! 😊)
Q2. Running, Gym, Cooking. Hanging out with my friends.
Q3. I’ve been on the Board for the past 18 months and have learned so much about what CLAY does and the impact it makes on young people. Everyone is so energetic, enthusiastic, and friendly. I like being part of that and hoping I can contribute in some way through my Board work.
Q4. Fish Fillet, chips and Diet Coke.
Q5. Lyons……ALWAYS!
Ben
Q1. Anything really, but having a bit of a 90's revival at the moment with James - Sit Down.
Q2. Sports - playing golf and tennis, but used to play a lot of football.
Q3. I realise how lucky and privileged I am and my children are and I want to try to help those who haven't had the same fortune to make the most of their lives.
Q4.Quarter Pounder with cheese meal (always).
Q5. Barrys.
Frank
Q1. I love the musical Hamilton. I am excited that this is coming to Dublin in 2024. I have seen it in London, and it is spectacular. My favourite song from that is “You’ll be back”. The lyrics are hilarious.
Q2. I play golf (badly) and I read a lot. I particularly like reading about American History and Politics.
Q3. I grew up in Kimmage, and I now live in the area. I get great satisfaction when I can support CLAY (in even the most minor way) to enhance the opportunities of young people in the area. I believe strongly in the power and value of youth-work, and I believe that every young person deserves the best chances and opportunities in life. I am inspired to do more by the dedication and commitment of the CLAY youth workers and staff.
Q4. Easy – Large Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal with Fries and Coke. (Don’t tell my Mam!).
Q5. Barrys all the way for me!
Martin
Q1. Pop (especially 1980s), Jazz-blues, Classical. Sweet Dreams – are made of these (Eurythmics).
Q2. Travel, Hill Walking, Swimming.
Q3. Because of the work CLAY does in supporting young people become the very best of who they are.
Q4. Big Mac with large fries!
Q5. Barrys.
Siobhra
Q1. All types of music from country to pop to metal to D&B.
Q2. I like being active so I workout every day.
Q3. I want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their potential and goals, and places like CLAY support that.
Q4. Unfortunately I can't eat McDonalds - not gluten free yet!
Q5. Lyons for normal tea and Barrys for decaf :)
Amir
Q1. Soul, Pop. My favourite singer is Teddy Swims and I love all his songs
Q2. The limited time I have, I spend reading and travelling.
Q3. The role Clay plays in positively changing and affecting the lives and future of the youth within the local community and dedication of its team inspired me to join the organisation.
Q4. Filet O Fish, Regular fries and Coke Zero.
Q5. Barrys.
Brendan
Q1. Folk & country – Sweet Sixteen (Finbar Furey).
Q2. Reading, cinema, travel.
Q3. Interest in youth development.
Q4. Quarter pounder with cheese, fries & coke.
Q5. Barrys