Appointment of new SSGT Executive Director
The Trustees of St Stephen’s Green Trust (SSGT) are delighted to announce that Orla O’Connor has been appointed as our new Executive Director. The appointment follows a thorough external recruitment process. Orla will formally assume the post in late September 2025.
Orla brings a wealth of experience from her long career in the community and voluntary sector, with a deep and proven commitment to social justice. Orla brings the experience, leadership, and values to build on SSGT’s legacy while shaping its future direction. (See short biography below.) Trustees and staff alike look forward to working closely with Orla as she steps into the role.
Orla O’Connor succeeds Orla O’Neill, who made an extraordinary contribution to SSGT during more than two decades of dedicated leadership. Trustees are deeply grateful to Orla for her vision and impact.
Until Orla O’Connor takes up her post in September, SSGT staff will continue to work under the guidance of the Trustees. Staff and Trustees are happy to respond to any queries on info@ssgt.ie.
SSGT looks forward to introducing Orla more widely to our networks of grantees, partners and stakeholders this autumn.
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About Orla O’Connor
Orla O’Connor is the outgoing Director of National Women’s Council (NWC), the leading national women’s membership organisation in Ireland, with over 190-member groups. She was Co-Director of Together For Yes, the national Civil Society Campaign to remove the 8th Amendment in the referendum. For her role in Together for Yes, Orla was recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential People by TIME magazine in 2019. Orla holds an MA in European Social Policy, and after starting out in local community-based projects, has worked in senior management in non-governmental organisations for over 25 years. Orla is a feminist, and an expert in the policies needed to progress women’s equality in Ireland. She is an accomplished public speaker, with a strong analysis of public policy. Orla has led numerous high level, successful campaigns on a wide range of issues on women’s rights, including social welfare reform, pension reform and for the introduction of quality and affordable childcare.
