New Appointments to the IMA Board

The Board of Directors of the Irish Museums Association (IMA) is delighted to announce the appointment of the following members to the board:

• Heather McGuicken (Ulster)

• Roisin Doherty (Ulster)

• Yvonne Corcoran Loftus (Connaught)

Click on each of the elected candidates’ names to learn more about their background and experience.

These appointments follow an open election held in May 2025, aimed at both expanding the current Board and filling the vacancy left by outgoing member and current Chair, Lar Joye. To ensure balanced geographic representation, nominations were invited - through open call - from members living and/or working in Ulster (two vacancies) and Connaught (one vacancy). A total of nine eligible nominations were received.

The Board extends its sincere thanks to all IMA members who engaged with the process, which saw an excellent voter turnout of 27%.

Speaking on behalf of the Association, IMA Director Gina O’Kelly commented:

“We are truly grateful to everyone who put themselves forward for election. The calibre of candidates reflects the breadth of talent, experience, and commitment across our membership. We congratulate Heather, Roisin, and Yvonne on their appointment, and thank all nominees for their dedication to advancing the work of the IMA.”

Members of the IMA Board of Directors serve in an independent capacity, contributing their expertise and insights from across the museum sector and beyond. They provide strategic guidance and governance to the organisation, while representing the interests and voices of the wider membership.

Heather, Roisin, and Yvonne will formally take up their roles on the IMA Board in June 2025.