SHANNON CHAMBER CEO, HELEN DOWNES, ELECTED TO CANADA IRELAND FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TORONTO – The Canada Ireland Foundation (CIF) is pleased to announce that Helen Downes has been elected to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Helen serves as Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber in Shannon, County Clare, Ireland. She has been instrumental in transforming the Chamber into a dynamic force for regional and economic development and business advocacy. Under her leadership, the Chamber has launched a series of strategic initiatives that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally, significantly expanding its membership and influence.
Welcoming her appointment, Mark Purdy, Chairman of the Board of Directors said: “Helen’s vast strategic business experience and relationship building successes in Ireland will bring a welcome international perspective to the Canada Ireland Foundation. As we prepare to open The Corleck, the vibrant new venue for arts, cultural and heritage programming for the Irish-Canadian community, her talents and support will be invaluable in many areas, most especially in stakeholder engagement and HR.”
Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, John Concannon, added: “On behalf of the Embassy of Ireland, I would like to congratulate Helen Downes on her election to the Canada Ireland Foundation’s Board of Directors. Helen will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Board. I wish to express my gratitude to the existing Board for giving so generously of their time and playing such an important part in supporting Ireland in Canada. I wish Helen and the Board the very best during their terms. The Canada Ireland Foundation plays a significant role in deepening Ireland-Canada relations particularly in the arts and cultural space, I look forward to seeing their work continue to strengthen this relationship in the years ahead.”
Shannon Chamber represents over 330 companies spanning a wide range of industries, collectively employing approximately 20,000 people in Shannon and the wider region in which it operates. Helen plays a pivotal role in championing the interests of these members — engaging with key stakeholders, policy makers, and influencers to address barriers to enterprise growth and promote sustainable economic development at local, regional, and national levels.
Before joining Shannon Chamber, the Hospital, Co. Limerick native served as HR Business Partner at Thomson Financial (Ireland) Ltd, where she managed core HR functions and compliance with Health & Safety regulations across multiple sites.
ABOUT THE CANADA IRELAND FOUNDATION
Canada Ireland Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the story of the Irish in Canada.
The Foundation has built and maintains public spaces for the community to gather and learn about our collective history. The Foundation also presents a broad range of contemporary arts, cultural and heritage programming throughout the year, and aims to foster collaboration and engagement between the people of Ireland, the Irish Diaspora in Canada and the many diverse cultures that enrich our communities.