Anne is already well known to many as the CEO of Age Concern Northern Ireland and she has worked in the voluntary sector for over 16 years in roles including Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, Director of Help the Aged, Chair of NICVA, Chair of Engage with Age and Director of Women’s Resource and Development Agency.

Anne's appointment is an exciting and important milestone in the creation of this new charity

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Brendan McCormack, Chair designate of the new charity said:

‘Anne’s appointment is an exciting and important milestone in the creation of this new charity. Anne’s experience and her commitment to working with older people to counteract injustice and unfairness and maximise their potential as citizens is clearly evident. We are confident Anne will bring enthusiasm, passion and dedication to the role of Chief Executive when the new charity comes into being in April 2009.'

Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive of the new charity said:

‘I am thrilled to have been appointed to this role and to have the opportunity to build on the successes that Age Concern Northern Ireland and Help the Aged in Northern Ireland have achieved as separate charities over many years; and create an organisation that will have the influence to create change, to deliver flagship services that address the challenges of growing older in Northern Ireland, and which puts older people at the heart of everything it does.’