PRESS RELEASE

February 23^rd 2024

One in Four announces appointment of incoming CEO

The Board of One in Four has announced the appointment of Deirdre Kenny as the organisation’s incoming CEO.  Deirdre will take up the position in early-April when the incumbent CEO, Maeve Lewis, will retire following 16 years of service.

Deirdre Kenny’s appointment follows a competitive process which was supported by Osbourne Recruitment.  Deirdre, most recently, has served as the Director of Advocacy and as Deputy CEO at One in Four.

Speaking on behalf of the Board trustees, Catherine Heaney, Chairperson of One in Four, said: “In the first instance, we would like to pay tribute to the leadership, empathy and drive that Maeve Lewis has demonstrated in her 16 years of valuable service to One in Four. 

“Through her vision and skills, she has made Ireland a different place for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.  She has created an enabling environment in which to talk about abuse. She has elevated the quality and level of services available for survivors, through counselling, psychotherapy, and court advocacy services.  And she has, in her constructive advocacy, shifted the policy response to this trauma.  Her vision has introduced prevention programmes at One in Four and while, unfortunately, the demand for this service grows, it is a demonstration of her broad thinking and response-orientated approach.  We are indebted to Maeve and wish her well in her retirement.”

Welcoming Deirdre Kenny as the incoming CEO of One in Four, Catherine Heaney said: “Despite the many steps forward, the nature and proliferation of childhood sexual abuse in Ireland remains a challenge.  Online access, vulnerable communities and unequal relationships leave doors open for perpetrators of abuse.

“Deirdre brings with her enormous insight and experience from her advocacy work and is hugely respected in the justice system for her work and interventions for survivors.  She has built a huge knowledge base and a great advocacy team at One in Four.  She has the energy, foresight and depth of experience that is now needed to ensure One in Four continues to be ground-breaking; relevant and available service for all who need it.

“In the coming months, One in Four will prepare a new, five-year strategy.  This will be an exciting opportunity for Deirdre to set her leadership approach at One in Four, and in the wider national response to sexual violence.  We are excited to work with Deirdre.”

ENDS.

For media queries contact Kerry McCormack, One in Four 083 1630885