merrion street

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, T.D. has announced the appointment to the Arts Council of Ms. Jillian Van Turnhout , Ms. Claudine McMahon and Ms. Melatu Uche Okorie for a 5 year term to October 2024.

Jillian van Turnhout is an experienced Senior Consultant in the area of Governance, Compliance, Change Management, Strategic Planning, Advocacy, Executive Search, Board Training, and Board Evaluation. Ms van Turnhout is a current Director and Trustee of One in Four Ireland Ltd and a former Senator.

Claudine McMahon is a highly experienced HR professional, and current Head of Talent, Organisation Development and People Operations, Vodafone Ireland.  Ms McMahon has previously held senior HR post with Centric Health, the AIB Group and The Walt Disney Studios.

Melatu Uche Okorie is a creative writing workshop facilitator for children and young people and a PhD student at Trinity College Dublin.  Ms  Okorie is also a current Board Member of the National Network of Migrant Women in Ireland,  AKIDWA.

There is a statutory gender balance on the Arts Council, which requires a minimum of 6 men and 6 women. With these appointments, the Council now consists of 7 men and 6 women.

Commenting on the appointments, Minister Madigan said:

I am delighted to appoint 3 candidates of such high calibre and congratulate them on their appointments.

I wish all 3 appointees the very best during their terms and thank them for taking on these very important roles.