Over 40 years providing top quality care to children

Chaiman, CMRF, Inc. and Managing Director, North America, Pivotal Corporation

David Evans

David Evans was appointed Chairman of the board in December 2021. He has also served on the Emerging Leaders Board of CMRF USA since February 2016. David is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Consultant with many years’ experience working with US outbound transactions.

David has over 15 years’ experience working with US based multinational organisations in relation to their European operations. Previously, David held the position of European Tax Director at an international manufacturing company headquartered in Ireland and was responsible for managing their European tax function. He has also worked in a professional advisory capacity with KPMG LLP (both in the US and in Ireland) and one of Ireland’s leading law firms, advising primarily US based clients in connection with their global tax planning.

He is currently undertaking an MBA at Fordham University in New York. He sits on the board of a New York based charity, Camp Herrlich and is actively involved in the fundraising activities of the paediatric cancer research charity, known as the CMRF (Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, Inc.), related to Crumlin Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He is a founding member of the Emerging Leader’s Board of the CMRF in New York. David is also a member of the Ireland US Council in New York.

Managing Partner, AIP Capital

Jared Ailstock

Mr. Ailstock is the Head of Business Development at Voyager Aviation Holdings. He has over 14 years of aviation, transportation, and broader financial services experience, including sourcing new investment opportunities and investment financing.  Prior to joining Voyager, Mr. Ailstock was a Managing Director and Head of Aviation – Business Development & Capital Markets at Castlelake. Prior to that he held positions in structured finance within the sector at both Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, where he worked with a wide variety of clients and executed numerous transactions for aviation and other transport sectors.  Mr. Ailstock received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

Managing Director AllianceBernstein L.P

Alex Barry

Dublin-born Alex Barry is a Managing Director with TriplePoint Capital where he manages the New York portfolio for the fund, which has invested over $6Bn in the venture capital ecosystem since inception in 2006.

Headquartered in Menlo Park, TriplePoint provides flexible capital solutions to technology companies at various stages in their life cycle – seed, growth, and pre-IPO.  Alex works closely with founders and VCs, providing long-term financing solutions that are used to fund market expansion, equipment purchases, and acquisitions.

TriplePoint has worked with numerous high profile tech companies, including Facebook, YouTube, Square, Jet.com, Ring, and Revolut.

Chief Financial Officer, 8VC

Stephen Condon

Stephen is a  Chief Financial Officer of 8VC, a global alternative investment firm, and is based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to TPG, Stephen lived in New York City working as CFO for the Retail Division of Tradeweb Markets and CFO Americas for DEPFA BANK plc.

A native of Dublin, Stephen has been based in the US for over 10 years. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

CPA Managing Director

Nicola Cowman

Chief Financial Officer and Head of Portfolio Strategy, PwC US

Martyn Curragh

Managing Director, Insight Partners

Eoin Duane

Eoin Duane is a Managing Director at Insight Partners in New York, focused on Venture Capital and Private Equity investing in the Technology vertical.

Prior to joining Insight, Eoin spent 13 years as an investor in public and private technology companies including eight years at Guggenheim Partners and five years at Evergreen Coast Capital, the technology-focused private equity arm of Elliott Management.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Eoin has spent over 15 years in New York City and lives in Brooklyn with his wife, daughter and their rescued pitbull, Norma. His personal interests include strategy games such as chess, backgammon and poker, long-distance running, cycling, golf and non-fiction reading. Eoin sits on the boards of the Irish Repertory Theater and the Children’s Medical Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on pediatric research.

Eoin graduated from University College Dublin, Ireland with a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters in Finance. Eoin is a CFA charterholder.

Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies

Mike Hayes

SVP, Senior Banker at Bank of America

Amy Howlett

Amy Howlett is a Senior Relationship Manager with Bank of America’s Global Commercial Bank. She advises Middle Market enterprises ($50MM – $2Bn in revenues) and provides the bank’s full range of solutions including credit, treasury, risk management, advisory and capital markets, employee benefits and wealth management.

Amy joined Bank of America in 2012 as a Senior International Financial Advisor in London, specialized in advising private clients who were resident in the UK. She moved to New York in 2013 and joined the firm’s Enterprise Client Coverage Team. She was responsible for working with Global Corporate & Investment Banking relationship managers and their clients to provide solutions to preserve and growth wealth for C-Suite executives in addition to advising on a range of institutional investment mandates. She worked across various sectors with a focus on Financial Institutions and Technology, Media and Telecommunications companies.

Previously, Amy lived in France, Switzerland and Russia, where she advised an international client base on a range of corporate finance, strategy and advisory projects.

Amy is a Chartered Analyst in Alternative Investments (CAIA) and holds an Executive MBA with distinction from Cass Business School, London and an honors degree from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

CEO, Centaur USA

Des Johnson

Des Johnson is the CEO of Centaur Fund Services. US Centaur is a global fund administrator with over 200 people in 9 global locations servicing alternative asset managers. Prior to joining Centaur, he was a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Investor Services at SS&C with responsibility for over 600 people in 12 countries. Des has worked in the investment fund industry since 1998 and has held senior management positions at Citibank, BISYS Hedge Fund Services and IFS/State Street. He was born in Dublin has worked and lived in Ireland, Australia, Bermuda and New York. Des has a BA (Hons) in Business from Dublin Business School. Des currently resides in Wyckoff, New Jersey with his wife Jo and their three children.

Partner I Finance and Capital Markets Matheson LLP

Alan Keating

Alan Keating is a partner in our Finance and Capital Markets Department and heads the firm’s New York office.  Alan has been based in the New York office since 2011.

Alan advises international companies and financial institutions, asset managers, private equity firms, hedge funds, investment banks, alternative lenders, arrangers, issuers, rating agencies, trustees and investors on all aspects (including restructuring) of debt capital markets, securitisation (cross-border and domestic), structured finance and fund finance transactions.

In particular, Alan advises on CLOs, CDOs, LPNs, NPLs, RMBS, CMBS, US life settlements, receivables and mortgage securitisations, ABS, ABCP, MTN and repackaging programmes, deposit and fund-linked structured products (including Shariah-compliant structures), cat bonds and other insurance-linked securities (ILS), high-yield and other debt offerings (both public and private).

Alan has extensive experience of advising US based alternative asset managers on the structuring, establishment and capital-raising for funds implementing a wide range of investment strategies and also funds investing in private equity, distressed debt and other credit-led opportunities, real estate, infrastructure and a broad range of other asset classes.

Alan also advises clients on Irish prospectus, transparency and market abuse law, and listing queries relating to the listing of debt securities on the Main Securities Market and the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.

Alan has acted on a number of high profile and market-first transactions involving peer-to-peer (P2P) and marketplace lending platforms, including Europe’s first marketplace lending securitisation.

Alan is a qualified solicitor and a qualified tax consultant and is a member of the Law Society of Ireland and the Irish Tax Institute.  Alan was previously seconded to the legal department of a large investment bank in London where he acted as in-house counsel to the Global Markets — Fixed Income trading desk.  Alan is licensed as a Foreign Legal Consultant with the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Alan previously tutored at the Law Society of Ireland and University College Dublin.

Partner A&L Goodbody

Maria McElhinney

KPMG LLP

Jason McCaughey

Audit Chair Union County Savings Bank

Colin Neill

Colin Neill became a Director of the Children’s Medical Research Foundation, Inc. in July 2013. Currently he is semi-retired, serving on a few boards, both commercial and non-profit. For the past twenty years, Colin was involved in the biotechnology industry, serving as President and CFO of Pharmos Corporation, and earlier as CFO of Axonyx Inc. and ClinTrials Research Inc. all publicly traded companies.

Before moving into the biotechnology industry, Colin gained experience as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of BTR Inc., a $3.5 billion US subsidiary of BTR plc, a British diversified manufacturing company, and Vice President Financial Services of The BOC Group Inc., a $2.5 billion British owned industrial gas company with substantial operations in the health care field. Colin served four years with American Express Travel Related Services, first as chief internal auditor for worldwide operations and then as head of business planning and financial analysis.

Colin began his career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen LLP in Ireland and later with Price Waterhouse LLP as a senior manager in New York City. He also served with Price Waterhouse for two years in Paris, France. Colin graduated from Trinity College, Dublin with a first class honors degree in Business/Economics and he holds a master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics. He is a CPA in New York State and a Chartered Accountant in Ireland.

Partner, Relationship Management, Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC

Richard T. Nigro

Rich Nigro leads the efforts of Lord Abbett’s Relationship Management team. In this role, Mr. Nigro is responsible for overseeing the Strategic Relationship Group that manages the business relationships and strategic efforts related to the firm’s distribution partners, including broker dealers, private banks, and insurance companies. In addition, he oversees the Client Relationships Group dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the professional buyer market.

Mr. Nigro began his career in the financial services industry when he joined Lord Abbett in 2005, and was named Partner in 2017. Prior to his current role, he was a Regional Manager for the firm in southeast Florida, responsible for partnering with financial intermediaries to help them identify investment solutions for their clients. He also served as a Divisional Sales Leader for the independent and private bank markets.

Mr. Nigro earned a BS in finance, with a minor in international business, from The Pennsylvania State University.

Head of Strategic Investment & SVB LIFT SVB Capital

Barry O’Brien

Barry O’Brien is the head of SVB Lift and Strategic Investments, where he is responsible for building the SVB LIFT practice and team and working in close partnership with the Emerging Manager and Early–Stage practices.  

Prior to SVB Capital, Barry was a managing director for SVB’s Corporate Relationship Management Group. Barry was responsible for SVB’s relationships with the venture capital (VC) divisions of Fortune 500 companies. He was also instrumental in setting up the SVB Dublin office.  

Before SVB, Barry was an officer in the Irish Foreign Service, his final posting being as Deputy Consul General to the United States. Prior to the Foreign Service, he was a strategy consultant with BearingPoint in Dublin and PricewaterhouseCoopers in Sydney.  

Barry graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in business studies, respectively. In addition, Barry holds an executive master’s degree in management and strategy from the University of Notre Dame. Barry is native to Ireland and currently resides in San Francisco. 

Brian O’Sullivan

Senior Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

John Reilly

John Reilly is a trial lawyer who has served as lead counsel in federal trial and appellate litigation throughout the US involving antitrust, price-fixing conspiracies, monopoly, commercial and real estate disputes, RICO actions and class actions, as well as arbitrations in both US and global forums. In addition, John has been an arbitrator (including panel chairman) and counsel in numerous arbitrations involving commercial disputes, international disputes, maritime disputes and New York Stock Exchange proceedings relating to securities and other investments. He has also advised and counseled clients regarding joint venture arrangements in several industries, including airline and shipping, and with respect to re-sale price maintenance programs, as well as in grand jury antitrust investigations into the shipping industry. He has served as a monitor in the New York City Integrity Monitoring Program and in the NY/NJ Port Authority Monitoring Program.

Chief Executive Officer & General Counsel Clear Sky Advisors

Shawn R .Singh, Esq

Manager, Bank of Ireland NYC Hub

Catherine Slattery

Partner, Activant Capital

Andrew Steele

Head of Corporate Development, Salt Labs, Inc.

Alison Stapleton

Alison is a key member of the founding team at Salt Labs, Inc., a mission-driven company that aims to empower hourly workers to take ownership of the value they create through their work. Before joining Salt Labs, Alison played a pivotal role in scaling DailyPay, a hyper-growth payments company with a valuation of $2 billion. Her contributions included facilitating capital-raising efforts and developing company strategy. Prior to her work at DailyPay, Alison gained valuable experience within the Bank of Ireland Global Markets practice, Ireland’s premier treasury services provider, where she supported liquidity management and interest rate optimization across the bank’s portfolio.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Alison has spent the past four years living in New York City, where she indulges her passion for hiking, traveling, and experiencing the city’s diverse culinary scene. Alison graduated from Dublin City University with a Bachelor of Business Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Westcliff University.

Senior Software Developer at an innovative EdTech

Ann Donnelly

Ann is a Senior Software Developer at an innovative EdTech startup based in the Brooklyn Navy Yards. Her professional journey is shaped by a diverse background and rich educational experiences. With a foundation in healthcare, Ann worked in Temple Street Children's Hospital and Crumlin's Children's Hospital while pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Children’s and General Nursing. A thirst for knowledge led her to attain a Master's degree in Education Studies, ultimately guiding her to the United States in 2019. Beyond her tech career, Ann is a passionate explorer who enjoys uncovering the cultural and culinary gems of New York City, with a particular penchant for museum-hopping and a love for running, which adds an active dimension to her multifaceted life. With her distinctive blend of healthcare, education, and tech, Ann is on a mission to make a lasting impact wherever she goes.

Senior Associate - Banking and Capital Markets, Dillon Eustace LLP

Alex Kennedy

Alex Kennedy qualified as a solicitor in 2016 and has been with Dillon Eustace LLP (an Irish law firm) since May 2013.
Alex acts on a broad range of banking and finance related transactions. He provides Irish legal advice to both lenders and borrowers on domestic, international and multi jurisdictional finance transactions, including structured finance transactions, development finance transactions and property finance transactions. Alex’s work involves advising on and assisting with the implementation of tax efficient financing and investment structures. He is part of an experienced and expanding team who advise on all forms of secured lending, with an emphasis on real estate finance, structured finance and debt capital markets. Alex also has particular experience in cross-border financings and refinancings. Alex moved to the Dillon Eustace LLP New York office in July 2023. He advises both Irish and US clients, working closely with colleagues in the Dillon Eustace LLP Dublin office.

Financial Representative, Empire Wealth Strategies

Claire Gallagher

Claire Gallagher is a financial professional with Empire Wealth Strategies. She specializes in working with Irish/American business owners and professionals on tax saving strategies and minimizing tax exposure in the future. She also specializes in asset protection between the US and Ireland.

Originally from Drogheda, Ireland, Claire moved to New York 11 years ago and currently lives in Long Island, NY with her husband and daughter. She became a part of CMRF 5 years ago and is passionate on improving treatment for sick children globally.

Credit Analyst, Centerbridge Partners

Donal Harnett

Donal is an analyst with Centerbridge Partners in New York, focused on TMT investments in its Performing Credit business.

Originally from Ennis, Co. Clare, Donal started his career at AIB before moving to the U.S. to work in AIB’s leveraged loan and high yield bond business. It was during this time that Donal first became involved with CMRF, attending its various fundraising events before joining the ELB in 2023.

Donal graduated from University of Galway with a Bachelor of Commerce, Economics Major, and from the University of Edinburgh with a Masters of Science in Finance & Investment.

Associate, Portfolio Management, Blackstone Credit

Maria Hehir

Maria works on the Portfolio Management team within Blackstone Credit.Maria is a member of the Charity Committee at Blackstone. Maria graduated fromthe University of Limerick, Ireland with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics.

Vice President at Global Emerging Markets (GEM) Group

Sean Hehir

Seán moved to New York in 2019 and currently serves as Vice President at Global Emerging Markets (GEM) Group, an emerging markets focused on investment firm. In his role at GEM, Seán is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities, conducting due diligence on prospective investee companies, and assists with the review and negotiation of investment transaction documentation.

Prior to joining GEM, Seán worked as an Analyst at Bizintra, a Dublin-based financial trading firm. He graduated from Dublin City University, where he studied Financial
and Actuarial Mathematics.

Outside of work, Seán is an active competitor across a variety of strength and fitness events and has represented Ireland in international-level powerlifting competitions.

Regional Director of Sonesta Hotels.

Ann Murtagh

Director, ABS Banking & Finance, Bank of America

Hugo Morrissey

Hugo is a Director in Bank of America’s ABS Banking and Finance Group. He is responsible for origination, structuring and execution of secured lending facilities, Term ABS bonds and EETCs. Hugo’s primary focus is within the Transportation and Equipment ABS sectors.

Hugo has worked with Bank of America for 10 years, in London from 2012 to 2017 and in New York since 2017. Originally from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Hugo went to secondary school in Rockwell College and holds a B.A. Hons degree in Business and Economics from Trinity College Dublin.

Sponsorship Account Director of Pension Bridge events at With Intelligence

Tara Nolan

Tara is the Sponsorship Account Director of Pension Bridge events at With Intelligence. She started her career at With Intelligence in 2012 in London working on the hedge fund brand and built her industry network throughout Europe before moving back to New York in 2015. In the US, Tara
worked at a provider of outsourced services to a variety of asset management companies and service providers which continued to grow her network before returning to With Intelligence in 2017. With Intelligence is a data and events business that provides data, connections and a deep insight into investing and asset management. Tara works with asset managers across the United States to connect them with investors through a variety of events including conferences, dinners, and awards. Over the last 11 years, Tara has continued to build out the US events and collaborates with clients globally, often connecting European providers with US based funds and industry peers. Originally from New York, Tara is a dual citizen of Ireland and studied abroad and then lived in London for 5 years. Residing back in Long Island, New York, Tara enjoys frequenting the beach, cycling, and traveling. Tara graduated from Stonehill College in Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Journalism.

Vice President at Allied Irish Banks

Neil Morrissey

Neil is a Vice President at Allied Irish Banks in New York City focusing on the leverage loan market, primarily in the large cap space across multiple sectors. Neil manages a loan portfolio and subsequent team located across both New York and Dublin.

Originally from Dublin, Neil moved to NYC in 2018 having worked for KPMG in Dublin. Neil currently lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and enjoys football, golf, snowboarding, reading and travelling in his spare time.

Neil is a graduate of University College Dublin and holds a degree in Commerce International as well as an accounting qualification.

Jack Hennessy

Jack Hennessy is an economics graduate from University College Cork with several years’ experience in venture capital and startup advisory in both Ireland and the United States. Now based in New York City, Jack leads business development for Cultural Roadmapp, an Irish-US travel app while also completing a Master’s in Finance at Fordham University.

Global Brand Manager for Coole Swan

Ruth Brady

Ruth Brady is the Global Brand Manager for Coole Swan. Coole Swan is a family run business and a premium Irish cream liqueur, with numerous awards. Ruth has just graduated from Law and Political Science in Trinity College Dublin and has joined the family business. Born and raised in county Meath, Ruth travels extensively in her role. But in her spare time she enjoys running, socialising, reading and coffee!