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Dec 25, 2024, 19:21

ARC Cancer Support Centres – Announcing the appointment of the new chairperson, Robert O’Connor

ARC Cancer Support Centres shared on LinkedIn:

“ARC would like to announce the appointment of our new chairperson, Robert O’Connor, PhD, who is an accomplished director with over 25 years of experience in a variety of fields, including research, management, education, advocacy, governance, and communication. Dr O’Connor started his career as an Academic and Researcher, is a past/present board member of several national Health and Cancer Research organisations, served for seven years as the Director of Research for the Irish Cancer Society and is currently the Director of the National Clinical Trials Office. He is passionate about improving health outcomes and has a wealth of experience in patient partnerships, clinical trials, cancer, medicine development, translational health research and life sciences.

‘Like most people, I have an unfortunate familiarity with the supports that people affected by cancer and their wider families can need and which are provided with such diligence and compassion by the team and volunteers of ARC. Our aging population and improving cancer treatment outcomes will mean there is an ever growing need for the work that ARC does but we’re up for that future and making sure that we’re there for everyone who needs us.’

ARC would like to pay tribute to our outgoing Chair, Orla McMahon, who has been an integral part of ARC for many years and has witnessed and contributed to ARC’s growth in countless ways. Her efforts have been instrumental in several areas, particularly in fundraising, both of her own accord and in nurturing and encouraging others to support or give with her gentle yet effective approach.

Her dedication and conscientiousness as a board member has been remarkable, and since stepping into the role of Chair in 2021, Orla navigated the many challenges and responsibilities with grace and effectiveness, while also attending every ARC event she could, ensuring board presence, which is greatly appreciated by all attendees.

Needless to say we will miss Orla a lot but look forward to working closely with Robert. Pictured here are (LtoR), Orla McMahon, Deirdre Grant (ARC CEO), and Robert O’Connor PhD.”