Shane O’Brien, originally from Oran, Co. Roscommon, has been announced as the new CEO of Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, effective August 8th 2023.
Shane boasts an extensive experience in governance and volunteer work, which will make him well suited to lead the Association in delivering on its current strategic plan.
Shane holds a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management from UCD Professional Academy and is a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) accredited by the Irish Tax Institute. Shane’s qualifications also include a First Class Honours degree in Accounting and a Chartered Accountant (ACA) designation from Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Throughout his career, Shane has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills. His most recent position as Senior Tax Manager at the Irish Tax Institute allowed him to project-manage the design and delivery of educational programmes, ensuring optimal learning experiences for students both in the classroom and online. His expertise in tax consultancy, compliance, and restructuring transactions further enriches his professional background.
Shane has a genuine passion for community service. He has been a voluntary board member of Epilepsy Ireland since 2021, where he also chaired the Finance and Audit Committee. His dedication to making a difference extends beyond healthcare, as he previously served locally as secretary of Pieta House West-Roscommon fundraising committee.
“The Parkinson’s Association of Ireland is thrilled to welcome Shane O’Brien as our new CEO,” said Ann Foxe, Chairperson of Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. “Shane’s proven track record in leadership and his commitment to community service make him an ideal fit for our organisation. We are confident that under Shane’s guidance, the Association will continue to advance our mission of improving the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease”.
Commenting on his appointment, Shane said, “This is an exciting time for the charity. A key focus for me will be the implementation of the strategic plan over the coming years, as the service offering grows in a sustainable manner.
“Currently, there are approximately 15,000 people with Parkinson’s Disease in Ireland and that is projected to increase over the coming years. This will result in an increase in demand for services.
“A key strategic aim is to obtain state funding for community-based nurses to support people with Parkinson’s and their families”.
