We're delighted to introduce four exceptional individuals who joined the Supporting Communities Board at our AGM in December 2024. Each brings their own expertise and a shared passion for supporting and empowering communities.

Mark Glinwood

A co-founding partner of Distinctive People HR & OD Ltd, Mark has spent decades helping organisations navigate change and build sustainable futures. His journey from the Metropolitan Police through to leading strategic HR consultancies has given him deep insight into what makes organisations—and communities—thrive.

"I've admired Supporting Communities' transformative work for many years," Mark says. "The organisation has a prominent profile and strong reputation across Ireland."

Based in Wales but travelling extensively across the UK and Ireland, Mark brings commercial acumen to our growth ambitions, particularly our expansion in the Republic of Ireland. When not working on strategic projects, you'll find this ardent Chelsea supporter at Stamford Bridge cheering on his team!

Mark's approach? "Innovate, challenge the status quo, and always strive for better."

Joe Tuke

Joe retired in 2020 after a distinguished career as a senior leader in central and local government, including board-level executive roles. He first learned about Supporting Communities at a wedding in summer 2024, chatting with our CEO Colm, whose passion and enthusiasm proved infectious.

"The values underpinning all of this shone through strongly and resonated with my own," Joe recalls.

His extensive experience spans high-profile strategy and policy development, cross-sector programme delivery, and change management, much of it focused on issues that align well with our mission: encouraging community champions, tackling anti-social behaviour, setting housing standards, and supporting victims of crime.

Joe sees our future as "continuing to establish ourselves as the trusted supporter and voice of tenants and their communities, helping them acquire and deploy their own agency to improve their neighbourhoods and pursue opportunities to enjoy better lives."

Now living in Crystal Palace with his wife and young son, Joe is enjoying being "a bit of a house-husband" while making sure there's time for the occasional round of golf with friends.

Carole Johnston

After 39 years with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, including 12 years as Area Manager for South & East Belfast, Carole knows community development from the ground up. She's worked alongside Supporting Communities for over 30 years and has witnessed firsthand the vital role we play.

"When I was asked to join the Board, I did not hesitate," Carole reflects. "The work this organisation does is fantastic, and I cannot wait to visit projects and speak to groups I've never before had the privilege of meeting."

Carole understands that strong community groups need skills, confidence, and governance support to become effective advocates. Her experience managing partnerships across the statutory and voluntary sectors will be invaluable as we continue to champion tenant voices.

Now retired and living on a small farm near Saintfield with views of the Mourne Mountains, Carole volunteers with the National Trust at Rowallane Gardens and her local youth club, while also enjoying time with her three grandsons.

Paul Kennedy

As CEO of Croí Laighean Credit Union, Paul leads an organisation with €270 million in assets, four offices, and over 75 team members. Under his leadership, CLCU earned certification as a Great Place to Work in 2026—living up to its strategic ambition of "letting our people shine," a philosophy Paul is passionate about extending throughout organisations.

"Our worlds are very similar; we support communities," Paul explains. "I feel I can provide a totally independent view while maintaining my core values."

Paul's career spans senior roles at leading professional services firms in audit and assurance, restructuring and insolvency, transaction services, and forensic accounting. He brings 32 years of strategic thinking and financial expertise to our Board.

His commitment to community runs deep. CLCU has invested over €1 million in supporting local organisations over the past decade, and Paul has served on school boards of management and parish finance committees. It was this community focus that drew him to Supporting Communities.

"I believe in the power of quality reporting and numbers that tell their own story," Paul says, bringing a data-driven approach alongside his core values of giving back.

Born in Donegal and raised in Offaly, Paul loves to cook, eat out, and travel.

We're excited to work with Mark, Joe, Carole, and Paul. Welcome to Supporting Communities! Read more about all of our board members here.