Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is tasked with overseeing the long-term strategic vision and ensuring the continued growth of Ireland Network Chicago. Thank you to the Advisory Board for their dedication and service.

Ruairí Barnwell

Ruairí Barnwell is a Principal at DLR Group, a global integrated design firm, where he leads the Smart Buildings Practice. He is dedicated to creating a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable built environment, driven by a mission to restore balance to the climate for future generations. Originally from County Offaly, Ruairí holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street. Ruairi previously served as President of Ireland Network Chicago from 2022 to 2024.

Orla Castanien

Orla is an executive coach and leadership consultant. Twenty years of leadership in finance, operations and strategy contribute to her skills navigating organizational change and leadership development. She facilitates team alignment and conflict resolution. Orla received her accounting and consulting training at Deloitte and help leadership positions in Ireland and the U.S. Orla is an adoptive mom, active in educating herself on transracial family challenges. She advocates for DEI education to create more inclusive cultures.

Garrett Diamond

From Co. Meath, Garrett has lived in Chicago for 15 years. A DIT hospitality and Tourism Graduate, Garrett initially spent time in the hotel and bar business in Chicago. He is now working as a Sales and Business Development Representative for Stuart Dean Company in Facilities Services. Garrett is now in Oak Park with his wife Katie and three children, Ciara, Liam and Fiona. He also is a member of the local AOH Chicago Branch.

Ken Dooley

A native of Ireland, Ken received a business and finance degree from Trinity College, Dublin. Ken spent several years in the English and Irish Banking industry prior to immigrating to Chicago in 1994. Ken made the transition into real estate in 2000 and is one of Chicago’s most sought after real estate professionals–consistently ranked among the top 1% of Brokers for closed transactions by the Chicago Association of Realtors.

Edward Galvin

Edward Galvin is responsible for North America B2B Commercial Payments Sales at Visa. Previously, Edward reviewed US Large Market product and managed the Engagement and Expansion team for Visa Business Solutions in Europe. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and a MSc degrees from University College Cork. He is an avid marathoner, active mentor, and certified Co-Active Leadership coach. Edward is also President of the Chicago Irish Film Festival.

Clodagh Lawless

Clodagh Lawless is a Chicago-based hospitality leader. Raised in Galway, she grew up immersed in her family's restaurants and hotel before moving to Chicago. She played keyed roles in the development and operations of The Irish Oak, The Gage, and Acanto, refining chef-driven dining landscapes. She went on to open The Dearborn with her sister. She serves on the Executive Board of the Illinois Restaurant Association.

Vice Consul Pádraig Manning

Pádraig Mannin is the Vice Consul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago. He joined the Irish diplomatic service in 2019, serving at the Embassy of Ireland in London, the Department of Education, and as Third Secretary in Dublin’s Ireland, UK, and Americas Division. He holds a BA from University College Cork and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Brian Moore

Brian has been a member of the Ireland Network since its inception and is a past president. He works in Corporate Finance at Exelon (parent company of ComEd) and lives with his wife Sheila, in Lincoln Park and they have three children Dylan (23), Julia (20) and Olivia (18).

Denis Neville

Denis Neville is the founder, owner and CEO of CoreFX, specializing in advancing nutrition and health solutions for the functional food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries through science, innovation and an entrepreneurial lens. With more than 25 years of commercial and technical experience, Denis has built a career around commercially-viable, purpose-driven endeavors by operationally implementing complex challenges while always putting customers, people and culture first.

Donal O'Brien

Donal O’Brien was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He attended University College Dublin before emigrating to the United States. He is a partner at the law firm of Bryan Cave Leigton Paiser, LLP where he focuses on mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. He also teaches corporate law at Loyola University Chicago, School of Law.

Niamh Whelan-Reiter

With a 20+ career that spans Ireland, France and the United States, Niamh is an experienced marketing and communications leader who is passionate about helping organizations translate marketing investment into brand awareness, business value and results. Holds a BS in Business & Marketing Management from Trinity College Dublin.

Nora Walsh

Nora is a Dublin native who moved to Chicago before earning a Computer Science degree from Loyola University. She is Vice President of Investor Relations at Gas N Wash and serves on the board of Weish4Ever: The Andrew Weishar Foundation, supporting young people battling cancer. Nora is delighted to be part of this dynamic group that provides a terrific platform upon which to build professional, social and philanthropic connections with other Chicagoans who share a love for Ireland.

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