Meet the Candidates for Organisational Member (General) Positions on the AONTAS Board
Written by
Published on
May 12, 2026
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Meet the Organisational Candidates for the AONTAS Board
At the AONTAS AGM on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, members will vote to fill two vacancies in the Organisational Member (General) category on the AONTAS Board.
The AONTAS Board plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring that our work continues to advocate for an inclusive and equitable adult learning system in Ireland. Board members bring a range of experience and perspectives that strengthen our governance and support our mission to champion lifelong learning for all.
This year, two candidates have been nominated for the two available positions: Stephanie Kirwan and Dr Joe Collins.
*Candidate biographies are presented below in alphabetical order by first name.*
Dr Joe Collins
Dr Joe Collins is a senior education leader with more than 25 years’ experience across adult, further and higher education in Ireland and internationally.
Joe is currently Director of Carlow College Strategic Initiative at South East Technological University (SETU), where he is leading a significant higher education development focused on academic strategy, governance and partnership building.
Throughout his career, Joe has held a range of senior leadership roles, including Director of Further Education and Training at Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), where he represented Ireland at European level. His work has consistently focused on widening participation, learner-centred pathways and supporting non-traditional and lifelong learners.
Joe brings considerable expertise in governance, strategic planning, quality assurance, risk management and stakeholder engagement. He is seeking election to the AONTAS Board to contribute his experience and values-based leadership to strengthening adult and community education across Ireland.
Stephanie Kirwan
Stephanie Kirwan is seeking re-election to the AONTAS Board, having been co-opted in July 2025.
Stephanie is Chief Operations Officer with Meath Partnership and brings extensive experience in community development, social inclusion and adult and community education. Her professional background includes programme development and evaluation, partnership building, change management and impact measurement.
Stephanie holds postgraduate qualifications in International Development and Programme Design and Validation for Further Education and Training, along with a range of formal and non-formal qualifications in public health, wellbeing and Recognition of Prior Learning.
She is also a Director of Development Perspectives and serves on the steering committee of the AONTAS Community Education Network.
Voting at the AGM
Voting at this year’s AGM will take place in person only, and only paid-up members for 2026 will be eligible to vote. If you’re unsure about your membership status, feel free to get in touch with the AONTAS team, we’re always happy to help!
We encourage all members to review the candidate information and participate in this important aspect of AONTAS governance. Your vote helps shape the leadership of the organisation and supports work on your behalf.
Register to attend the AGM
Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place at the AGM on 3rd June 2026.
You can register here!
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Meet the Candidates for Organisational Member (General) Positions on the AONTAS Board
Written by
Published on
May 12, 2026
Share This
Meet the Organisational Candidates for the AONTAS Board
At the AONTAS AGM on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, members will vote to fill two vacancies in the Organisational Member (General) category on the AONTAS Board.
The AONTAS Board plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring that our work continues to advocate for an inclusive and equitable adult learning system in Ireland. Board members bring a range of experience and perspectives that strengthen our governance and support our mission to champion lifelong learning for all.
This year, two candidates have been nominated for the two available positions: Stephanie Kirwan and Dr Joe Collins.
*Candidate biographies are presented below in alphabetical order by first name.*
Dr Joe Collins
Dr Joe Collins is a senior education leader with more than 25 years’ experience across adult, further and higher education in Ireland and internationally.
Joe is currently Director of Carlow College Strategic Initiative at South East Technological University (SETU), where he is leading a significant higher education development focused on academic strategy, governance and partnership building.
Throughout his career, Joe has held a range of senior leadership roles, including Director of Further Education and Training at Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), where he represented Ireland at European level. His work has consistently focused on widening participation, learner-centred pathways and supporting non-traditional and lifelong learners.
Joe brings considerable expertise in governance, strategic planning, quality assurance, risk management and stakeholder engagement. He is seeking election to the AONTAS Board to contribute his experience and values-based leadership to strengthening adult and community education across Ireland.
Stephanie Kirwan
Stephanie Kirwan is seeking re-election to the AONTAS Board, having been co-opted in July 2025.
Stephanie is Chief Operations Officer with Meath Partnership and brings extensive experience in community development, social inclusion and adult and community education. Her professional background includes programme development and evaluation, partnership building, change management and impact measurement.
Stephanie holds postgraduate qualifications in International Development and Programme Design and Validation for Further Education and Training, along with a range of formal and non-formal qualifications in public health, wellbeing and Recognition of Prior Learning.
She is also a Director of Development Perspectives and serves on the steering committee of the AONTAS Community Education Network.
Voting at the AGM
Voting at this year’s AGM will take place in person only, and only paid-up members for 2026 will be eligible to vote. If you’re unsure about your membership status, feel free to get in touch with the AONTAS team, we’re always happy to help!
We encourage all members to review the candidate information and participate in this important aspect of AONTAS governance. Your vote helps shape the leadership of the organisation and supports work on your behalf.
Register to attend the AGM
Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place at the AGM on 3rd June 2026.
You can register here!
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16 October 2026
AONTAS Community Education Against Disinformation Project Nominated for Media Literacy Award Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 16, 2026...
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Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through the AONTAS Community Education Network
9 October 2026
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through Our Community Education Network Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published...
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Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation
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Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This Attended by...
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