Merchants Quay Ireland announces retirement of co-founder and CEO Tony Geoghegan, and appointment of Paula Byrne as new Chief Executive Officer

Merchants Quay Ireland announces retirement of co-founder and CEO Tony Geoghegan, and appointment of Paula Byrne as new Chief Executive Officer

Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) today announced that Tony Geoghegan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, will retire at the end of September 2018. Paula Byrne, current Head of Day Services at MQI, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting on Tony Geoghegan’s retirement, and the appointment of Paula Byrne, Chair of Merchants Quay Ireland Mick Price said:

“Tony’s contribution to MQI and the broader sector is legendary, but greater than that has been his impact on our clients. His passion for and commitment to improving their lives has been central to all his work at MQI, and he leaves an incredible legacy.

“I am delighted that Paula has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer. In her decade with MQI, she has shown a commitment to high quality, compassionate service for those most in need. I have no doubt that she will ensure that Merchants Quay Ireland is at the forefront of responding to that need.”

Commenting on his retirement, Tony Geoghegan said:

“It will be difficult to step away from MQI, but I am incredibly proud of the work done in supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community. I know that under Paula’s leadership, MQI will continue to provide that support, treating people with the care, dignity and respect they deserve.

“I would like to thank all those that have helped me and Merchants Quay Ireland over the years. I look forward to staying involved with MQI and the wider homeless and addiction sector.”

Commenting on her appointment, Paula Byrne said:

“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer. MQI has always been about meeting people where they are at, providing non-judgemental, compassionate, and professional care. This is the core of our mission, and I am passionate about continuing and building on that work.

“We know that Ireland is in the midst of housing and drugs crisis. This is a challenge not only for MQI, but for society as a whole. I look forward to working with the Government and all our partners in the housing and drugs sector to make sure that we rise to that challenge of helping those in need.”

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Rooney

Communications Officer

Merchants Quay Ireland

T: 01 531 2958

M: 086 7793 208

Email: andrew.rooney@mqi.ie

 

Website: www.mqi.ie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerchantsQuayIR

Twitter: @MerchantsQuayIR