Chairman | Managing Director, Droichead Consulting Ltd

"Colm is founder and Managing Director of Droichead Consulting Ltd, a specialist public affairs and strategic communications firm. He was a senior advisor to three Government Ministers and has served as Public Policy Manager for a large US multinational. Colm has been a Director since 2020."

Vice Chair | Chief Executive, Amarach Research

"Michael has been a member of the Board since 2022 and previously served as Chair from 2015 to 2019. He is chief executive of Amarach Research and currently Chairperson of the Irish Youth Foundation and Social Finance Foundation. He holds MBA, MA degrees and is a Chartered Director."

Secretary | Retired Banker

"Gerry is a retired Banker with more than forty years spent mostly in wholesale Treasury positions. He is a QFA and a member of the IOD Ireland. Gerry joined the Heritage CU Board in 2020 and is also on the Board of South Dublin Volunteers."

Board Member | 30+ years Credit Union experience

"Marie has been a committed member of our Board for over 30 years, bringing deep experience and unwavering dedication to Credit Union leadership. She has served in every board position and currently serves as Chair of Chapter 5, representing community-based and industrial credit unions."

Non-Executive Director | Board Member since 2013

"Daphne joined the Supervisory Committee in 2011 and transferred to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in 2013. She has lived in Rathfarnham for the past 45 years and brings valuable community insight to board discussions."

Non-Executive Director | Qualified Accountant

"Kieran is a Non-Executive Director for regulated investment funds and advises on corporate governance. He's a qualified accountant with an MBA and has over 25 years' experience in banking and asset management. Kieran joined the Board in February 2021."

Board Member | Executive Coach & HR Professional

"Nuala has worked in Commercial, HR and Communications roles across banking, telecoms and pharmaceuticals. She retired in 2022 and joined the Heritage Board in 2023. She holds an MSc in Organisational Behaviour and has qualified as an Executive Coach."

Board Member | Group HR Director, Glanua

"Ciaran works as Group Human Resources Director with Glanua, a specialist construction engineering company in water and wastewater treatment. He is a member of the Institute of Directors Ireland and brings extensive HR expertise to the board."

Board Member | Vice President Commercial, Genesis

"Mark has over 18 years' experience in military aviation and consulting. He holds a first-class honours MBA in aviation management and an EASA Airline Transport Pilots Licence. Mark joined the board in July 2024 and brings strategic commercial expertise."

Board Member | Director of Digital Strategy, Carne Group

"Brian has 20 years' experience in law and international financial services. He is a qualified barrister with an MBA from Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. He joined the Board in December 2024 and brings digital strategy expertise."

Board Member | Civil Servant & Community Employment Specialist

"Mary joined the Board when Walkinstown Credit Union merged with Rathfarnham in 2018. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Credit Union Practice and a Diploma in Credit Union Governance. As a Civil Servant, she works with Community Employment initiatives."

Chair of the Board Oversight Committee

"Ursula joined Heritage Credit Union in 2023. She has a career spanning over two decades within the banking and financial services sector. She is currently a Client Services Manager and has managed teams in the Money Market, Client Onboarding, Client Money and Structure Products functions."

Secretary of the Board Oversight Committee

"Liam was Director of Templeogue & District CU from 2006 to 2014, serving as Chairman from 2008 to 2012 and Secretary from 2012 to 2014 when Templeogue & District CU joined with Rathfarnham CU. He then served as Board Secretary of what is now Heritage Credit Union until 2018. Liam is a retired senior civil servant with extensive administrative and legislative experience."

Member of the Board Oversight Committee

"Rhona is retired from a variety of roles! She was a Medical Laboratory Scientist, with a Fellowship specialising in Blood Transfusion, working both in Ireland and Canada. She then joined a large medical supply company, before setting up her own company in the same field. She sold this when she qualified as an acupuncturist and laser therapist. Rhona is a keen golfer and has served on most committees in the golf club, including the management board and was involved in revision of the Constitution of the club and is still involved in a couple of committees. She volunteered for the Credit Union a couple of years ago."

Alan Roche is the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Credit Union, one of Ireland's largest credit unions with over 57,000 members, €250 million in assets, and 12 branches across North and South Dublin. Appointed CEO in 2022 after five years as Operations Manager, Alan brings extensive experience as a people and change leader with a passion for the Credit Union Difference.

Alan's career in the credit union movement includes senior operational roles and governance positions. He holds an MBA from the National College of Ireland, where his thesis examined digital transformation challenges facing Irish credit unions. This combination of academic insight and operational expertise positions him as a thought leader in modernising credit union services whilst maintaining community values.

Under Alan's leadership, Heritage has achieved significant improvements including enhanced digital services and innovative community initiatives. He led the establishment of Heritage's pioneering partnership in the €800 million Credit Union Approved Housing Body Fund, addressing Ireland's housing crisis through social housing development. His commitment to community engagement is evident through initiatives like Heritage's 60th anniversary €60,000 community fund.

Alan's leadership has seen Heritage grow its loan book to over €80 million while maintaining strong community partnerships through educational programmes, learner driver loan initiatives, and extensive branch accessibility.

Alan is focused on balancing digital innovation with personalised member service, ensuring Heritage Credit Union remains the sustainable provider of choice for members' financial needs. His strategic priorities include optimising service delivery across all channels, developing targeted member propositions, and building a high-performance culture that delivers exceptional experiences whilst maximising social impact.

Ger Flaherty is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO) at Heritage Credit Union, bringing over 40 years of experience in business to his leadership role. He began his career in an accountancy practice, crossing over to the financial sector where he developed a strong foundation in financial management and professional services.

A qualified accountant with a Diploma in Credit Union Studies, Ger has dedicated much of his career to the finance sector. Joining Heritage Credit Union in 2014, he has assisted in the successful integration of multiple transfers of engagements, enabling lending, savings and asset growth. He plays a key role in overseeing financial operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the CEO in delivering member-focused, community-based financial services.

Outside of his professional life, Ger is married with three children. He has always been active in his community, where he has served in a voluntary capacity on the Board of Management of Coláiste Éanna, and chaired the football committee during the All-Ireland success in 2016 at his local GAA club, Ballyboden St. Enda’s. A passionate supporter of sport, Ger enjoys keeping fit and maintains an active involvement in the GAA, reflecting his lifelong interest in athletics and community engagement.

Jane Barlow is the Operations Manager at Heritage Credit Union Ltd, a role she has held since February 2022. She brings over 16 years of experience in operational roles within a major pensions and investments firm in Dublin. Jane’s journey with the credit union movement began when she served on the Board of Directors at her local credit union, where she developed a strong passion for the sector.

At Heritage Credit Union, Jane leads a dedicated team overseeing the daily operations across a network of twelve branches. Under her leadership, the team is focused on delivering exceptional member service through a variety of channels including in-person, email, phone, and online platforms. Since joining the organisation, Jane has played a key role in three successful transfers of engagement and has led the design and implementation of operational improvements that have enhanced both the employee and member experience.

Jane holds multiple professional qualifications, including certificates and diplomas in financial advice, credit union governance and management, and an advanced diploma in operational risk management.

Chris Murphy is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in risk management, compliance, and regulatory affairs. Currently serving as the Head of Regulatory Affairs at Heritage Credit Union Ltd since March 2024, Chris has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing service quality and implementing innovative initiatives over his 18-year career in the Credit Union movement.

His responsibilities include developing risk management frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation, involvement in strategic projects and liaising with regulatory bodies.

In terms of education, Chris holds a B.A. (Hons) in History & Classical Civilisation from NUI Galway, along with several professional certificates and diplomas in financial advice, credit union governance, accounting and compliance.

Chris also actively contributes to his community through volunteering and participating in local dramatic societies.