‘People in Ireland are very responsive to need, but there are many with great potential to engage in a more strategic way’ – The Big Interview with Caitriona Fottrell

Last year, the Ireland Funds president and chief executive found herself taking charge of a global organisation whose gala dinners in Boston and New York were on hold. Since then, it’s been a bumpy but rewarding ride

Caitriona Fottrell: Philanthropy is more clearly understood now. Government and reactionary spending can’t meet that need, it’s going to take that and more. Picture: Fergal Phillips

In brief:

Name and role: Caitriona Fottrell, president and chief executive, The Ireland Funds

Lives: Dublin and New York

Family: Husband Brian, two children, Dylan and Caroline, one dog, Russell

My working day: “Thankfully moving away from working remotely and spending long days on Zoom by getting back to more in-person time with colleagues and donors. Working between multiple time zones so the days are long, but very exciting as we find new ways to ...