Tipperary man is the new CEO of heart and stroke charity Croí
Mark O'Donnell took over at the helm at the beginning of year
Clonmel man Mark O’Donnell has taken over as CEO of Croí, the heart and stroke charity, since the beginning of the year.
Son of the late Joan and Liam O’Donnell from Shamrock Hill, Clonmel, he joined Croí two years ago this month as Chief Operations Officer and Head of Foundation.
He has lived in Galway for over thirty years, working primarily at senior level in the public service within city, county and regional government organisations. During this time, he has also gained leadership experience working in the not-for-profit sector.
A past pupil of Clonmel High School, Mark is a graduate of University of Galway and has academic qualifications in Law, Finance, Management and Corporate Governance.
He replaces former CEO Neil Johnson, who has stepped down after almost 32 years at the helm.
Speaking about his appointment, Mark says “It is a genuine honour to be appointed to the senior leadership role in Croí, which comes with a substantial weight of responsibility.
“Neil Johnson has shown exemplary leadership over the past thirty years, working with an outstanding team and a committed board, to develop a fantastic organisation with a critically important mission as its focus.
“Reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke on our communities is a considerable challenge. However, building on the strong foundations that have been laid, and with the exceptional team in Croí, I have no doubt that we can collectively make a significant and positive impact.
“It has been a great introduction to Croí to have worked closely with Neil, our team, board and our many volunteers over the last two years and I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter”.
Neil Johnson says, “Mark and I have worked very well together for almost two years now and I know he will bring a fresh perspective and take on his new role with vigour”.
Established in 1985, Croí is a registered Irish heart and stroke charity. Its aim is to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on the west of Ireland.
For more information, see www.croi.ie and follow Croí on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @croiheartstroke.