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Queen’s University brings ‘exceptional ability’ to its Senate with new members

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Queen’s University Belfast

27th Apr 2026

Queen’s University has made eight appointments to its Senate, the body responsible for the ongoing strategic direction of the university.

The appointees bring a wide range of expertise, spanning business and financial leadership, the delivery of complex public services, and experience across the social and voluntary sectors.

All appointments were recommended by a Special Committee comprising of the Students’ Union President, elected staff members and independent assessors to the Senate.

Pamela McCreedy, a highly accomplished senior public sector leader, and current Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and outgoing President of Chartered Accountants Ireland has been appointed Honorary Treasurer.

Leo O’Reilly, former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities, has been appointed Senior Independent Governor bringing strategic insight and deep public sector leadership to the role.

The following appointments have been made as independent lay members of Senate.

  • Maurice Bullick, Finance Director at Belfast Harbour Commissioners, where he has responsibility for financial strategy, capital investment and corporate risk across a major infrastructure organisation.
  • Holly Poots, Associate General Counsel at Kainos Group Plc, where she advises on governance, legal. regulatory and risk matters across public and private sector delivery. A Queen’s alumna in Law, Holly is the current President of the Queen’s Graduates’ Association.
  • Michele Shirlow MBE, a qualified accountant and Founder and Chief Executive of FoodNI, building the reputation of Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector to secure World’s Best Food Destination and building a body with a membership of more than 450 businesses.
  • Paul Terrington CBE, Chair of QUBIS and a former senior Partner at PwC, where he was a member of the UK board and roles included NI Managing Partner, Head of UK Regions and leader of UK and EMEA Consulting business.
  • Roger Warnock, CEO of Young Social Innovators, a leading organisation focused on empowering young people to address societal challenges through innovation and enterprise.
  • Deborah L. Wince-Smith, former US Government Official serving as an Assistant Secretary of State and is the current President and CEO of the United States Council on Competitiveness and President of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Council.

Speaking of the appointment, Ms Wince-Smith said:

“I am delighted to join Senate at Queen’s University, an institution with a strong global reputation for excellence in education and research.

“Throughout my career, I have been deeply engaged in advancing innovation, science and technology policy, and strengthening the connections between education, energy, economics and business. I look forward to bringing that experience to support Queen’s in its strategic ambitions, and to contributing society at both a local and global level.”

Queen’s University Belfast, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate Dr Len O’Hagan CBE commented:

“These appointments bring exceptional experience and ability from across a range of backgrounds to our Senate, spanning expertise across financial stewardship, public administration, international policy, business leadership and civic engagement.

“Effective corporate governance is key to the success and integrity of a global university and these new appointments will play a key role in delivering our ambitious strategic plans.

“I look forward to working with all of them and my sincere thanks to the Special Committee and to all those involved in the appointment process.’’

Also joining Senate, include a number of Queen’s University members elected as staff representatives on the governing body

  • Professor Mark Lawler, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Digital Health, Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics as Academic Staff Representative.
  • Professor Sean O’Connell, Professor of Modern British and Irish History as Academic Staff Representative.
  • Jason O’Neill, Alumni Engagement Manager as Professional Services Staff Representative.

The following members have been re-elected or re-appointed for a second term across three constituencies:

  • Gillian Riddell as Professional Services Staff Representative;
  • Professor Kenda Crozier as Academic Council Representative;
  • Dr Kevin Morgan as Academic Council Representative;
  • Kelly Robinson as Independent Lay Member;
  • and Honor Mallon as Independent Lay Member.

These non-remunerated appointments take effect from 1 August 2026 for a period of four years.

Queen’s Students’ Union incoming President Nadine Curtis will also join Senate 1 July 2026.