CEO – Sinéad O’Brien
Sinéad O’Brien has been leading SWAN’s work since 2004, she has a degree in Zoology from University College Cork and is a passionate advocate for the water environment. Sinéad oversees all of SWAN’s work, represents SWAN on a number of public bodies and leads SWAN’s policy work related to River Basin Management Planning and the EU Water Framework Directive.
Advocacy and Communications Manager – Antóin McDermott
Antóin McDermott joined SWAN in 2021. He has a BA in English and Sociology, a MSc in Sustainable Development and a MA in Digital Media Technologies. Prior to joining SWAN, Antóin worked in various communication, digital, and design roles in environmental education, politics, the NGO sector and financial services. Antóin leads SWAN’s communication, media, PR, digital, advocacy, and campaign work.
Marine & Coastal Policy Officer – Emma Armshaw
Emma Armshaw joined SWAN in 2023. She has a BA in Political Science and International Affairs, a MSc in Marine Biology and a MSc in Public Policy & Global Governance. Prior to joining SWAN, Emma worked on international democracy strengthening, leading policy and advocacy projects on inclusive and accountable politics around the world
COO – Audrey Vallier
Audrey joined SWAN in 2024. She has a BA in Psychology, a PgD in Marketing and Customer Relationship Management, and a MBA. Prior to joining SWAN, Audrey worked in various roles in administration, operations and finance management both in the Corporate and NGO sector, in France, Canada and Ireland. Audrey oversees the day-to-day operations and administration functions of SWAN, and ensures organisational effectiveness with lead responsibilities in Governance, Financial Management, Operations and Organisational Development.