TI Ireland Staff
John Devitt - Chief Executive
John is an ethics and communications specialist by training. He holds a first-class Masters degree in Ethics from Dublin City University, is a graduate of European Studies at the University of Limerick and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland and is a PhD candidate at the University of Galway where he is researching professional anti-corruption practice. John founded TI Ireland in 2004 and has led TI Ireland’s whistleblowing research and support programme since 2009. He is author or researcher on numerous reports and guidance on the topic of whistleblower protection, ethics and anti-corruption standards, and has advised the Irish Government, United Nations, Council of Europe, and European Commission amongst others on whistleblowing legislation and procedures.
Dr Alexander Chance - Head of Policy and Research
Alexander leads TI Ireland’s programmes on anti-corruption, illicit finance and political integrity, and is co-convenor of TI’s global working group on corruption and organised crime. A specialist in strategic and policy responses to transnational crime and corruption, he has over 20 years’ experience working on these issues internationally within law enforcement and civil society. Alexander holds a PhD and MPhil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin and a BA in Law and Politics from Durham University. He is a Senior Fellow with the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and an Associate Fellow with RUSI’s Organised Crime and Policing group.
Nadia Taylor - Integrity at Work Programme Manager
Nadia manages the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme. Before coming to TI Ireland, Nadia spent a number of years working for non-profit organisations in London. She ran the learning and training programmes at community organising charity, Citizens UK and prior to that, she worked at a prison rehabilitation charity and a cultural education charity where she gained broad experience in operations, finance, fundraising and event management. Her interests lie in cultivating strong stakeholder relationships and organising meaningful and informative events. Nadia holds a BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre studies from University College Cork as well as a Diploma in Event Management and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.
Kate O'Hara - Integrity at Work Programme Manager (Maternity cover)
Kate is the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme Manager, using her extensive experience building and strengthening relationships to support current and prospective IAW members. Before coming to TI, Kate spent several years working for the Four Freedoms Fund at NEO Philanthropy in New York. There, she managed incoming and outgoing grants; team operations; project budgets; and internal and external events. Most recently Kate worked as the Major Donors Officer at Pieta helping with high-value fundraising and donor relations. Kate holds a Master’s in Theory and Practice of Human Rights from the University of Essex and a Bachelor’s in International Relations and International Development from Clark University.
Ida Nowers - Knowledge and Policy Manager
Ida oversees the development of TI Ireland’s whistleblowing resources, including the Integrity at Work programme tools and guidance. Ida is a recognised specialist on whistleblower protection law and policy. She was previously global coordinator at the Whistleblowing International Network where she continues to manage the EU Whistleblowing Monitor project. Ida has several years’ experience working directly with whistleblowers as a senior advisor on the UK whistleblowing charity Protects advice line, as well as providing support and consultancy to employers on implementing whistleblowing management systems. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Donncha Ó Giobúin - Senior Speak Up Helpline / Office Coordinator
Donncha is a coordinator on the Speak Up Helpline. A media and communications professional by training, Donncha graduated with a B.A in Journalism from Dublin City University and has a Professional Certificate in Whistleblowing Law and Policy from NUI Maynooth. He joined the TI movement as a helpline volunteer in August 2014 and has previously worked as a researcher for Newstalk Radio and as a presenter for Radio na Life, Dublin’s Irish language radio station.
Molly Quesnell - Helpline Coordinator
Molly is a coordinator on the Speak Up Helpline. Molly holds a Master's degree in Development Studies and Diplomacy from the UN University of Peace. She joined the movement as a research intern in July 2024 looking at anti-money laundering and financial crime under Dr. Alexander Chance. Her academic background is in political science and economics, and she has gained broad experience in operations, analytical research, and international relations through her professional and volunteer experiences. She has regularly worked in client-facing roles to carry out advocacy activities, manage events, and resolve conflicts.
James Mulcahy Symmons - Advocacy and Communications Executive
James is a public policy and communications specialist. He holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Undergraduate in Philosophy and Politics from University College Dublin. He has worked across a range of sectors including non-profit organizations, research institutes and public affairs consultancy. James supports TI Ireland’s advocacy and communications efforts for its core programmes including event management and stakeholder relations. James also works closely with Nadia Taylor on the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme.
Katya Alves - Legal and Administration Assistant
Katya Alves holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB, honours equivalent), and various other qualifications. She has studied common law and civil law and has past experience as a seasoned senior lawyer, with 7 years of litigation and contract experience, in other jurisdictions. She has assisted pro bono clients in the past and has gained valuable experience from it. In addition to her legal experience, she has a strong professional background in operations management, has had to use excellent interpersonal skills and high-level business acumen in past roles. Her past experience is grounded in law, legal advice, compliance, property management, project coordination and management, and in dealing with clients of various backgrounds and nationalities, while working in a variety of work environments in countries such as South Africa and Portugal. She is dedicated to delivering impeccable legal and administrative assistance to the team.
Transparency Legal Advice Centre Staff
Donal O'Connor - Solicitor
Donal O ‘Connor is a solicitor of 23 years experience, and held roles as a risk manager and compliance officer in the banking industry intensely dealing with regulatory compliance and risk. He has engaged with regulatory and supervisory authorities, and has experience in employment litigation, workplace investigations, the WRC, and the management of HR issues, policies and procedures. Donal is a graduate of University College Galway, and also holds an international qualification in Data Protection. As a solicitor in the Transparency Legal Advice Centre, Donal advises clients on Protected Disclosures.
Marc Evan Aupiais - Solicitor
Marc Aupiais is an Irish solicitor, English and Welsh solicitor, and South African attorney. He passed with first-class honours in Maynooth University's postgraduate Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy course. He has years of experience in law and business. He has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), completed in 2013, and has past general legal experience in the areas of contract, corporate, business, finance, compliance, insurance, human resources, litigation, et cetera. He believes a solicitor is a safeguard of rights, a guide to avoid pitfalls, and a scribe and translator of law. He studied Irish, English, European, South African, and international law. He is enrolled as an Irish Solicitor (since 2021)(practising), and is also enrolled but not currently practising as (i.e. not currently working as): an English and Welsh Solicitor (2021), South African Notary Public (2018), and South African Attorney (2016).
TI Ireland Associates
Dr Lauren Kierans, BL
Dr Lauren Kierans lectures in Whistleblowing Law at undergraduate level and as a Professional Certificate at Maynooth University. She is also a qualified barrister specialising in Whistleblowing Law. Lauren holds a PhD on Protected Disclosures and has published articles, book chapters and national reports on whistleblowing law. She co-authored ‘Protected Disclosures Act 2014 - Annotated Legislation’ with Anthony Kerr (published by Round Hall). Lauren was awarded the governmental project for the drafting of the protected disclosures procedures guidance for public bodies on behalf of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Gráinne Madden
Gráinne is the founder and senior consultant of GMJ Associates, which provides guidance to Irish businesses on responsible business practice. Gráinne's work includes development of corporate responsibility strategy, non-financial reporting and report assurance, development and implementation of ethical compliance programmes and protected disclosure policies. Gráinne also lectures on Corporate Responsibility to MBA students in Trinity College Dublin and Griffith College Dublin.
Rory Treanor, BL
Rory Treanor is a barrister specialising in Employment litigation and the conduct of sensitive workplace investigations, disciplinary hearings and appeals. Rory has taught for the Law Society and CIPD. He has written policy papers for political parties and non-governmental organisations in the areas of transparency, anti-corruption and employee rights. In addition, Rory has provided training to employers, employees and their representatives regarding practice and procedure before the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. He has also advised legislators on the implementation of the Whistleblower’s Directive.
TI Ireland Interns
- Francesca Fragnoli - Research Assistant
- Conor O'Beirne - Research Assistant
- Naroa Clifford Castro - Helpline Adviser