I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, in America’s mid west. I first moved over here to take up a great opportunity to help establish the University of Notre Dame’s Ireland Program. Eighteen years later, with an Irish husband and four American Irish children, Dublin is very much home.
I have had many very diverse roles since first arriving in Ireland. And what is interesting about my career journey is just how important the Irish-US relationship has been. Each of the positions I’ve taken have an American angle. From working with my alma mater, Notre Dame, to working on the establishment of the Childhood Development Initiative with Dr Katherine Zappone, who is of course now Minister for Children but is originally from Seattle.
Most recently I held a fascinating position in the Office of Public Affairs in the US Embassy. Representing your home country in your host country was a great honour and privilege. And since March I am Director of Special Projects with the American Chamber, the voice of over 700 US companies in Ireland. I am excited by the opportunities to develop new programmes and projects with this great team that will support the world leading companies that are based in Ireland to help them grow.
What I love about working in Ireland is the people, they are some of the most genuine, friendly and talented people on the planet, never mind their wit and humour! They love America and work diligently to maintain the deep connections between our two great nations. After almost two decades here, I am proud to be one of them.