Meet the Team

Julie Taylor, Independent (Chair)

Julie joined the CCGHT Board in September 2022 following her relocation to Northern Ireland in 2021. Julie was the former Chief Executive of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust in England. TDET is a multi-academy trust and charitable organisation which provides exceptional teaching, learning and care for more than 5,000 pupils, many of whom are disadvantaged, raising  aspirations and outcomes across a diverse range of nursery, primary and secondary schools and academies. It is one of the largest employers in Peterborough with nearly 1,000 employees and a budget of £50m. Julie chaired the Peterborough CEO network.

After 38 years in schools, Julie still retains a strong interest in education and remains a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. She is a founder member and former director and chairperson of Schools of Tomorrow, a member-owned social enterprise open to all schools seeking values-led, research-informed change with a unique focus on developing student leadership.

Julie was a former Board member of Peterborough Environmental Charitable Trust and she has a keen interest in protecting and promoting heritage and the environment.

George McAuley, Ulster Farmers’ Union (Deputy Chair)

George has been a resident in the area of Armoy all his life, where he has farmed part-time and now full-time.  George has worked for thirty years in the further education sector as a Lecturer and the last ten years as an Administration Manager and Member of The Corporate Management Team at North East Institute.

George is a past President of Loughgiel Credit Union and a member of Ballycastle Rotary Club.  He has been a member of the North Antrim Branch of Ulster Farmers’ Union for over 30 years and served on the Central Policy Legislative Committee for the union.  He is now a serving member on the Hill Farming Committee and a member of the AFBI Beef Committee.

Cllr Oliver McMullan, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council

Oliver worked in the hospitality and tourist industry since 1979.  He was elected to Moyle Council for 18 years. As a councillor he served as the Council’s first Sinn Fein Chairperson and the first Sinn Fein Chairperson of Moyle’s district policing partnership.

He is currently chairperson of the local disability group, Friends.

Oliver represented the Council on a number of bodies including the Strategic Waste Board, Northern Education and Library Board, The Rural Development Board, Chair of Moyle Sports Advisory Committee, North Antrim Community Network and on several tourist committees.

Oliver is currently a member of the Education Authority Board and has recently been appointed the Board’s Disability Champion.

Cllr John Wisener, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council

John is a retired police officer.  During his service he was based in Cushendall, Ballymoney, Derry/Londonderry, Bushmills and spent time in role of Area Commander for the Coleraine district.

In 2022 he was elected to the Council.  He is Trustee in Advice Causeway and sits on the Audit, Finance, Leisure and Development and Corporate Policy committees.  John has always lived in Coleraine.

Prof Patrick McKeever, Independent

From 1995 – 2012, Patrick worked at the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland in Belfast where he developed the organisation’s geological heritage and tourism sector. In 2000, he took part in the inaugural meeting on Geoparks and has since undertaken many Geopark and World Heritage advisory, evaluation and revalidation missions on behalf of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In 2006, he brought the 2nd global conference on Geoparks to the Waterfront Hall in Belfast which attracted over 300 delegates from across the world. Also in 2006 he was invited to join the UK’s Geoconservation Committee of the Geological Society and in 2007 he was invited to become a member of the World Convention on Protected Areas (WCPA). He was a member of the scientific board of the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) on behalf of Ireland (2007-2012) and in October 2009 and October 2011 he was the official representative for Ireland to the Science Commission of the biannual UNESCO General Conference.

In 2012, Patrick moved to Paris to join UNESCO as the new Chief of Section for Earth Sciences and Geohazard Risk Reduction and as Secretary of the IGCP. While at UNESCO, Patrick directed the formalising of the relationship between the GGN and UNESCO. This has happened through the creation of the new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and the creation of the UNESCO’s first new site designation since the creation of the World Heritage Site label in 1972 by establishing of the designation “UNESCO Global Geopark” which happened in November 2015. Patrick drafted the statutes and operational guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks and has given countless keynote talks and workshops (both regional and national) on UNESCO Global Geoparks and has advised countries on every continent regarding the creation of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Patrick left UNESCO in October 2018 to concentrate on establishing UNESCO Global Geoparks in areas of the world where there are none or few, and to encouraging deepening networking between UNESCO Global Geoparks through the Global Geoparks Network.

Andrew McAlister, Independent

Andrew joined the Board of Causeway coast and Glens in 2022. He had previously been on the Steering Group for the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership since 2015

With a career which includes running several businesses to working in local government and delivering EU and cross-border funding programmes, Andrew has a depth and breadth of experience, most of it based in the area covered by CCGHT.

After qualifying as a Town Planner and working for a short time in England, Andrew returned to his home in the Glens of Antrim to run the family retail, funeral, farm and cafe businesses. The combination of these and the interest in planning, development and the environment led him to very quickly become involved in rural and community development.

He has managed a range of EU funds such as Leader (Rural Development), Peace (community development) and Interreg (cross border funding) between 2000 and 2018. This involved working at local, regional and at European level. This has given him a real understanding of strategy and policy formation as well as the nitty gritty detail around governance and grant applications and assessments.

Between 2018 to 2021 he was the Harbours and Marinas Manager for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Since then, he has, among other things, run a small consultancy business assisting SMEs and community organisations.

Andrew’s has a profound commitment to supporting his own rural community in the Glens, and he continues to play an integral role across a number of key arts, cultural, and social economy organisations. This includes his work with the local RNLI, where he is Operations Manager, after serving as crew and helm across 40 years of voluntary service with the organisation.

Professor Joan Condell, Independent

Professor Joan Condell, Professor of Intelligent Technologies from the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems at Ulster University focuses her research on data analytics, AI and (wearable/ambient) IoT sensors.

She was awarded a Distinguished Teaching and Learning Fellowship in 2011, regularly has External Examiner positions in UK and Ireland in teaching and research, sitting on funding review panels for the UK Research Councils, the Irish Research Council, Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation and is a member of the Royal Irish Academy’s STEM committee.

She manages teams of PhD researchers and Research Associates/Fellows across multiple national, EU and commercial projects; and has published 250+ papers, actively securing grants from external sources over £36M for Ulster University.  Joan has won Innovation and Enterprise awards for commercialisation work, creativity and bio-entrepreneurship.

Robert Wilson, Independent

A native of Islandmagee, Robert studied geography at university and then had a long career in post primary education, working in Ballymena, Coleraine and Limavady. His interest in natural, historical and cultural heritage began as a child living on a farm and has continued over a long period. He believes that the cultural, historic and natural environments are inextricably linked and believes that a sustainable future must incorporate a focus on economic opportunities for local residents and communities.

For many years Robert led groups of young people exploring the Antrim Hills through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Between 2016- 2020 he served as a member of the Historic Monuments Council and continues to explore much of the area served by CCGHT on his bicycle.

Robert has resided on the North Coast for over 30 years.

Alderman Bill Kennedy, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Bill recently retired from his Retail and Forecourt business in Armoy village where he was born and brought up.  Bill  served in the former Ballymoney Borough Council for 26 years and served as Mayor of the borough for four terms.

Having been elected in 2023 to the Causeway Coast and Glens he now represents The Glens DEA .

Bill is a keen motorbike enthusiast and founder member of Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club.  He has served as Chairman and Clerk of the Course of the very successful Road Race until 2022, and he remains Chairman of the Directors of the club.

Alderman Richard Stewart, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Richard was raised on a farm in North Antrim and went to school in Ballymoney. He has worked in Hospitality for over 20 years  and is a former business owner. Richard was elected to council in May 2023 and currently lives in Portstewart.

Richard is also on the Board of Directors for Surestart Coleraine. He sits on the Planning, Leisure, Development and Local Development Plan committees.

Edward Mason, Chief Executive Officer

Edward Mason is the National Trust’s General Manager for the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Property Group. Prior to this role, he was General Manager of the Mid-Ulster portfolio (including The Argory, Springhill, Ardress House, Derrymore House and Wellbrook Beetling Mill).

Edward has worked for Europe’s largest conservation charity since 2010 and has a passion for nature, beauty and history. His experience, combined with over 35 years’ working in organisational and business management, is marked by a commitment and heartfelt dedication to working with teams and partners to look after and provide access to some of Northern Ireland’s most treasured landscapes,

In 2024 Edward joined the board of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, he is also a member of the World Heritage Site Steering Group, a collaborative body that focuses on ensuring the conservation of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site.

Carole O’Kane, Corporate Services Manager – carole@ccght.org

Carole started with the Trust in July 2002 as Office Administrator but her responsibilities have changed and her current role is Corporate Services Manager. In this role Carole is responsible for the delivery of a professional corporate service provision including financial and administration management, communications, secretariat and members services provision to the various governance committees associated with the Trust.

Carole produces the CCGHT Annual Report and other promotional material. She leads on the development and maintenance of the CCGHT website and Social Media sites.

Carole is responsible for the strategic development of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust including raising the profile of the Charity and its activities.

Carole has been involved with the Économusée network since 2016 and as part of that project has helped to establish and support the Northern Ireland artisans. As part of the EU programme she has had the pleasure of visiting artisans in Newfoundland, Sweden, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Ireland; and hosting the international partners in the Causeway Coast & Glens area.

During her time with the Trust she has availed of the many training opportunities including WorldHost, Prince 2, Tour Guiding and Storytelling.

Ann-Marie Laverty, Administrative & Finance Officer – enquiries@ccght.org

Ann-Marie has worked with the Trust since November 2014 in a dual capacity as Admin and Finance Officer for CCGHT and in her previous role she managed the financial aspects of the development and delivery of the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Conor Johnston, Communications Officer – conor@ccght.org

Communications Officer Conor has a background in journalism, media relations and marketing with a long-standing specialism in copywriting and brand development. He looks after Trust communications including day-to-day social media management, press officer work for major CCGHT events and supporting ongoing development of Trust communications and brand.

Conor grew up in North Antrim, with family connections in the North-West including Donegal, and now splits his time between South Antrim and the Antrim Coast. Regularly experiencing a range of beautiful local areas has him given a lifelong appreciation of the world-class places in our AONBs and beyond.

Conor enjoys the outdoors as a hobbyist nature and landscape photographer. He is a lifelong movie fan, writer and Shih Tzu parent who loves enjoying time with family, including enjoying local areas with family members.

He is also passionate about the priceless value of places to access nature from a wellbeing point of view, as well as well as the need to protect these areas and their accessibility to all.

Gary Shaw, Fundraising Manager – gary@ccght.org

Gary has an extensive background in cultural management, securing considerable funding support for numerous heritage and cultural initiatives from a range of sources. Having spent over 20 years working in local government, he has undertaken in-service training in a broad range of vocational areas.

Gary was responsible for leading on the restoration of the award-winning restoration scheme at Antrim Castle Gardens. More recently, he worked on the preparation of NLHF development stage proposals for Castlewellan Forest Park.

Since 2015, Gary has provided heritage focused advisory support and consultancy services to a range of organisations in both the public and voluntary sectors. He is familiar with the Glens of Antrim area with one notable project in particular, having co-ordinated work to restore the Old Church Centre, Cushendun for Cushendun Building Preservation Trust.

Gary holds a first-class honours degree in Fine Art and undertook post-graduate studies in Arts Management at Ulster University.

Laura McAuley, Walking For All Officer

Laura has been with the Trust since July 2014 where she began working as the Admin & Finance Officer on the Heart of The Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme and moved on to become the Outreach & Volunteer Officer.  Following on from these roles Laura became the Natural Heritage Officer for Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme for 5 years, and is now currently the Walking Officer in Mid & East Antrim area for the PEACEPLUS Walking For All Programme.

Laura graduated from Queens University in Belfast with a BSc (Hons) degree in Geography and is working towards an MSC in Environmental Management.  Laura has a keen interest in biodiversity and the environment and isn’t afraid to get stuck in with the practical conservation and enhancement aspects of the projects.  She has delivered a number of community engagement projects with local community groups, public sector organisations and schools in The Glens of Antrim and Binevenagh area, organising archaeological excavations, delivering peatland restoration projects, planting trees, hedges, wildflower meadows and creating an outdoor learning resource for primary schools as well as managing a variety of Volunteer Programmes in the local areas.

Having worked for over 11 years on NLHF Landscape Partnership Schemes she has a lot of experience in working with various partners to deliver a range of environmental, conservation, volunteer and training projects. She is keen to get involved in the day to day running of the projects and ensure that they are seen through to the end.

Laura enjoys farming, travelling and hiking and has climbed Kilimanjaro as well as the highest peaks in Czech Republic, Poland, Iceland, Macedonia, Greece, Norway, Spain, Ireland, Scotland to name a few. She is also a fully qualified Heritage Tour Guide.

Alice Moore, Marine and Coastal Engagement Officer, Coastal Monitoring & Adaptation Planning Project

Alice graduated with a MSc in Marine Resource Development and Protection and has spent most of the last decade working on marine and environmental projects for large NGOs across the UK. Alice joined the Trust in 2025.

She has a keen interest in people’s relationship with the ocean and how it can thrive for both people and nature. Alice is excited to be working on the recently started Coastal Monitoring and Adaptation Planning (CMAP) project.

A North Coast local, Alice also runs a local sea swimming group called the North Coast Dippers and can usually be found roaming around the coast with her dog.

Andrew Conway, Project Support Officer, Coastal Monitoring & Adaptation Planning Project

Andrew holds a BA and MA in History from University of Leicester and Queen’s University Belfast respectively. He joined the Trust in late 2025, working as Project Support Officer for the Coastal Management and Adaptation Planning (CMAP) Project.

He has worked for the National Trust in a range of roles covering the North Coast and has volunteered with other heritage and conservation organisations. He is an advocate for accessibility in the heritage sector for people of all ages and abilities.

Andrew enjoys getting outdoors, particularly trail running, as well as reading, making ice cream, and spending time with his dog Maggie.

Nikki Maguire, Project Manager – nikki@ccght.org

Nikki graduated with an MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Development from Queen’s University Belfast and works with the Trust on a range of heritage projects across the area including the preparation and delivery of protected area management plans including the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site Management and Action plans.

Notably, Nikki worked on the Drifting Apart project which engaged local people and teachers with the geological foundations of their landscapes, and she developed the geological exhibition in the Coastal Zone Centre, Portrush.

Nikki heads up the AONB Team, working on a variety of projects and activities to connect people with the natural, built and cultural heritage of the area ranging from marine clean-ups to preliminary work on the North Coast Geopark project. Past projects Storytagging/Northword supported creative businesses to harness the power of our special heritage while Sustainable Resilient Coasts looks at coastal management and planning in rural areas.

Grace McAlister, Project Officer – grace@ccght.org

A north Antrim local, Grace studied Archaeology and Palaeoecology at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and from 2011-2015 worked at the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, QUB. During this time, Grace worked on numerous fieldwork and post-excavation projects across Northern Ireland and directed a research excavation at Dunluce Castle, one of the most striking historic sites within the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From 2015-2020 Grace was employed by the Centre for Community Archaeology and gained invaluable experience of working on lottery funded projects and delivering archaeology-based education programmes. 

Grace joined CCGHT in 2020 and was initially employed in a part-time role as Historic Environment Officer for the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme. Since 2024 Grace has been employed as a full-time Project Officer for the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site and Causeway Coast AONB.

Tiérna Mullan, Project Officer – tierna@ccght.org

Tiérna graduated from the University of Ulster with a degree in International Travel & Tourism Management in 2007 and joined the Trust on 7th January 2009 as Administration Officer. She progressed to Project Assistant and since July 2015 has been employed as Heritage Officer.  Her responsibilities include the delivery of projects on the ground relating to AONB including the development of AONB Management and Action Plans, CCGHT’s Annual Events programme and the organisation of events and exhibitions to promote and raise awareness of CCGHT and the AONB.

Since 2010 she has been involved in the “ÉCONOMUSÉE Artisans at Work” project, working to support local artisans and develop new visitor experiences.  As part of this project Tiérna has had the opportunity to visit artisans in Canada, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway and showcase the Causeway Coast and Glens to International artisans and stakeholders.

Tiérna developed the 2020-2025 Causeway Coast AONB Action Plan; other projects include involvement in the EU funded Northword Storytagging project, working with a range of international partners. During her time with CCGHT she has undertaken various training including R.E.C First Aid, Prince II, Social Media training, Digital Marketing training, Leadership & Management training, Events Management training & WorldHost.

Manus Cowan, Project Assistant, Giant’s Causeway WHS & CAUSEWAY COAST AONB

Manus graduated from his undergraduate degree in Geography in 2015. After a few years, he enrolled at Ulster University for a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies with the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE). Manus then began working as a Research Assistant, exploring various issues facing young people in Northern Ireland, before beginning a PhD.

Manus’ doctoral thesis explored the potential role of graffiti and street art to promote alternative identities and shared heritage in deeply divided societies. He spent close to a year living in Nicosia documenting graffiti and working alongside artists to deliver various events and activities which aimed to foster interethnic interaction. Manus returned to finish his thesis in Belfast, where he began working as a part-time lecturer at Ulster University, which he continues to do.

Manus joined the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust in September 2025 as a part-time Project Assistant with PEACEPLUS, working with the Nature and Environment team. So far, Manus has been busy assisting with various projects such as Sow, Grow, Eat, alongside a campaign to recruit volunteers to tackle environmental issues through the Causeway Coast and Glens. This job combines his love for the environment and a determination to promote good community relations.

Rosslyn Watret, Project Officer Giant’s Causeway WHS & Causeway Coast AONB

Rosslyn graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with her PhD based on Fish Physiology. She joined CCGHT in 2025 as a full-time Project Officer for the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site and Causeway Coast AONB.

Rosslyn has a Master’s in Marine and Fisheries Ecology and a second Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. She is involved in wildlife rescue and has been an RNLI Lifeboat crew member since 2019.

Geoff Nuttall, Marine, Coastal & AONB Project Manager – geoff@ccght.org

Geoff has a wealth of experience in environment and heritage protection and promotion.  This includes six years as Head of WWF Northern Ireland delivering marine, freshwater and environmental sustainability projects and campaigns; three years as NI manager of the WWF EU Celtic Seas Partnership Project; and five years as NI Policy and Campaigns Manager for the National Trust, including extensive work on coastal, marine and protected landscapes issues.  Geoff has also worked for the Woodland Trust and NICVA (the NI third sector umbrella body) as Head of its European Unit and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, leading its Net Zero and Environmental Sustainability work.

Geoff holds a PG Dip postgraduate in Tourism Management and BA Joint Hons in Modern Languages (French & German).  He enjoys walking, kayaking, cooking and brewing beer.

Chris Millar, Project Officer – chris@ccght.org

Chris has a background in environmental protection, with experience in land and river remediation. He has a strong love for environmental heritage and has both volunteered and worked for the National Trust on the North Coast.

As a Natural Heritage Project Officer in the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB with CCGHT Chris oversees projects to conserve and improve heritage sites across the area and works to increase access to and understanding of the wealth of natural heritage across the Antrim Coast and Glens.

Chris has a keen interest in outdoor recreation; spending lots of time outdoors: hiking, cold water swimming, rock climbing and playing disc golf. He helps to run local sports clubs and associations on the North Coast.

Andrew Bratton, Project Manager – andrew@ccght.org

Andrew joined CCGHT in 2012 and has led and developed a number of roles within the Trust including AONB and WHS Project Manager (2012 – 2018), Drifting Apart (Northern Peripheries and Arctic Programme) Project Manager (2015 – 2018) and Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Manager (2018 to present). Andrew graduated with a PhD in Geography from Queen’s University Belfast in July 2015. Andrew collects, restores and rides vintage motorbikes and enjoys climbing, swimming, coasteering, surfing and is a keen Formula One fan. Working to travel, Andrew has climbed Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Mount Kinabalu.

Melissa McQuitty, Project Officer – melissa@ccght.org

Melissa has over a decade of experience working in the conservation and tourism industry. Mel (as she is more widely known), graduated with a degree in Leisure, Events and Cultural Management from the University of Ulster in 2006.

Mel specialises in projects, having been an integral part of the team on the award-winning Causeway visitor experience, and over the years working on a wide variety of exciting projects across the North coast from Downhill to Cushendun. In 2017, Mel furthered her technical knowledge around projects and was awarded the Associate Project Management Certificate.

A strong believer in the need to access nature and protect our environment, she is a keen litter picker, enjoys travelling and wild camping adventures with her family in their much-loved campervan.

Aisling Gribbin, Project Officer – aisling@ccght.org

Aisling graduated with an MSC from the University of Edinburgh in 2011 and since then has been involved in a range of wildlife conservation projects across Scotland, from upland farm environmental work, peatland habitat restoration and most recently, a citizen science project in Ayrshire, encouraging local people to get involved in wildlife recording and monitoring.

Aisling moved back to Northern Ireland in early 2018 to start her own small dog business, or “hobby job” helping dogs and their own get active together. In her free time Aisling can usually be found running up a mountain with her dogs, or leading group classes with fellow dog mad folk!

Aisling has a passion for conservation, and working together to create shared outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Erin Boyle, Tree Nursery Assistant – erin@ccght.org

Erin joined at the beginning of 2024 at Magilligan Tree Nursery. She has had a long-standing interest in environmental protection and sustainability, having volunteered with the National Trust at Downhill and is currently involved with a woodland project in Rasharkin (Drumbolcan Wood). Erin is passionate about rewilding and connecting people with nature.

Barbara Lynch, Admin and Finance Officer – barbara@ccght.org

Barbara graduated from the University of Ulster, Coleraine with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Geography and Post Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems. She is a qualified Financial Advisor with over a decade of experience in Business Banking and Administration.

Barbara lives in the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula and has a strong connection to the North West where she spends many weekends with her young family. Barbara enjoys running, walking, yoga cooking, interior design and travelling.