IBO President's Message

President’s Address January 2012

It is with great honor that I accept the challenge of becoming the President of this great organization. Most recently, I served as vice-president on the executive board with Niall O’Leary as President, and have been an IBO member since 1999.

I would like to thank Consul General, Mr. Noel Kilkenny and his lovely wife Hanora for honoring us with their presence at our January meeting at Glucksman Ireland House. Before a packed house, the Consul General did a great job administering the oath of allegiance and swearing in the new officers. We are truly honored to have his continued support in all that we do.

I follow in some pretty big footsteps and I thank most sincerely the past presidents who have built this organization into what it is today, and who continue to support it wholeheartedly! To name but a few: Niall O’Leary, Garret Corcoran, Attracta Lyndon, Patrick Sheridan, Jim Doran, Brian Nolan, Maeve O’Malley & Bernadette McManus. I’m a lucky lady that I can call on these mentors for sound advice and some straight talk!

I would like to thank the outgoing officers who served on the 2011 board and appreciate all their continued support. Thanks to Niall O’Leary, Mike Mellody, Stewart Storms and Louise Cody for all their hard work over the past year. I now have the opportunity to work with a terrific incoming executive board and with their help I look forward to rolling out some dynamic new programs.

This includes bringing you exciting and interesting guest speakers each month that will inspire and motivate you. We are grateful to Mr. Bill Casey (CEO, Ernst & Young) for speaking at our January meeting and to Mr. Frank Comerford, CEO Revenues, NBC who is confirmed for our upcoming February 8th meeting. We are absolutely thrilled to also welcome An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny who will address our members on business developments in Ireland.

Our social events kick off with participation in the St Patrick’s Parade. Last year we were honored to win first place in the fraternal organizations category! Our annual golf outing is scheduled for May 11th at Pelham & Split Rock Golf Course.

I don’t think I need to remind you that this is a member organization and it is you, our  members that dictate what happens. I welcome your suggestions and ideas on how to make the IBO stronger. Our goal is to enhance your experience as a member.

Since the executive board is a small volunteer group, our hope is to re-establish various sub- committees. “It is in giving that you shall receive” and by volunteering you will be introduced to new members and make valuable connections. Right now, we are seeking additional members to get involved in one of the following committees:

• Strategic Partnering Committee – headed up by Ciaran Grant (forums for different industries)
• Membership Committee (includes Member Benefits) – Headed up by Karl O’Toole
• Communications Committee – Headed up by Niall O’Kelly
• Financial Committee – Headed up by Bill Lee
• Member Mentoring Committee – Headed up by Greg McIntyre
• Archival Committee – headed up by Niall O’Leary

So jump in and become involved!

We are also planning on producing a membership directory and will be sending out the directory form in the near future. We encourage you to update your profiles on our website and use the resources provided there for you.

I am also thrilled to announce that we have reintroduced our Board of Advisors who will oversee the long-term planning of the organization and be on hand to offer valuable advice.

The Board comprises past presidents and industry leaders. They are:

• Jim Doran (PP)
• Martin Dunne (PP)
• Diarmuid Hogan (Global Excess Partners)
• Attracta Lyndon (PP)
• Brian McCaffrey (Irish American Bar Association of NY)
• David O’Sullivan (from Ireland-US Council)
• Margie Russell (NY Association of Realty Managers)

Another big part of this organization as chartered in our bylaws is to promote our Irish culture. We plan to invite musicians, authors and poets to share their talent and entertain us on a regular basis.

We will continue to support many worthy causes and philanthropic organizations in this great city. Last year, the IBO donated close to $30k to charities locally and in Ireland and with your help we’d like to increase the amount this year. The IBO knows that the more we support each other the stronger we all become.

In this spirit, the IBO will be taking tables and supporting the United Irish Counties Dance on January 27th, the St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshall Reception on February 26th (both in Antun’s) and The Irish Echo 40 Under 40 Event in NYC on February 23rd. We are offering half price tickets to members and if you are interested, please contact Ciaran Grant.

I dearly appreciate all the emails and calls of support and encouragement. I especially thank my most patient husband, Colm Hourican who puts up with a lot of IBO activity. I’m looking forward to the challenge and if I get half the help I’ve been promised I have no doubt it will be a fantastic year for all of us.

I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year, and I look forward to seeing you on the 8th of February.

Sheila