Our People
CEO
Andrew Brownlee
Andrew Brownlee was appointed SOLAS CEO in August 2019 following an open competition.
Andrew was Executive Director for Strategy and Knowledge at SOLAS since January 2018, where he played a key role in putting in place a strategic performance framework for the further education and training (FET) system, in implementing reforms to support a more integrated system and in developing an ambitious, new five year strategy for the further education and training sector.
Andrew joined SOLAS from the Higher Education Authority. Prior to joining the public sector, Andrew had a long and distinguished career in management consultancy.
Executive Directors
Delivery Division
Alan McGrath (Temp)
Support Division
Conor J. Dunne
Transformation Division
Nessa White
Directors
Branding, Communications and FET Strategy Implementation
Maria Walshe
Enterprise, Employees and Skills
Mary Lyons
Apprenticeships
Con Ferry
Research, Future Skills Needs, Statistics and Risk
Shauna Dunlop
Learner Support
Roisin Doherty
System Funding and Performance
John Lee
People
Moira Walsh
Finance
Robert Collinson
IT and Digital
Paddy Seery
ESG Reporting
Patrick Kivlehan
Construction, Green Skills and Quality
David Smith
FET College of the Future
Avril Behan
Adult Literacy for Life
Yvonne McKenna
Governance
The SOLAS Board is accountable to the Minister for Education and Skills and is responsible for ensuring good governance in SOLAS. It consists of our Chairperson Sean Aylward and 11 ordinary members, all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills. Our current Board comprises 54 per cent women and 46 per cent men.
The CEO and the senior management team follow the broad strategic direction set by the Board, and ensure that all Board members have a clear understanding of the key activities and decisions related to SOLAS.
The Board has three sub-committees: Audit and Risk Management Review Committee; Strategic Planning Committee; and Workforce and Organisational Development Committee.
SOLAS CEO, Andrew Brownlee, acts as a direct liaison between the Board and management of SOLAS.