Dr Kevin Marshall has extensive cross-sectoral, education, and industry experience working for Microsoft Ireland for the last 20 years, with the last 10 years as the Head of Future Skilling. He has been appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Assisting Living and Learning (ALL) Institute in Maynooth University. He has a BA (Hons) in Psychology from University College in Dublin, an MSc in Occupational Psychology from University of Hull and a Ph.D. in Educational Measurements and Research, from Boston College. His experience as the Head of Future Skilling in a multinational corporation, combined with a Ph.D. in education, position him as an expert in both theoretical and practical aspects of skills development. He has been involved in many projects focusing on the development and application of technologies, person-centred systems and evidence-based policies in order to empower people throughout their life course.

Dr Mary-Liz Trant is an Executive Director in SOLAS with responsibility for strategy and performance. During 2022-2025 Mary-Liz led establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) and implementation of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. Mary-Liz has held senior posts in the Higher Education Authority, leading on enterprise engagement, Springboard+ and equity of access to higher education. A teacher by profession, Mary-Liz has taught at second level and in higher education. Mary-Liz holds a doctorate in Education and Masters’ qualifications in Education, in Leadership and in French.

Conor Thompson leads the Advocacy Team at AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. He works with the Advocacy Team to identify issues in the adult and community education sector facing learners, teachers, and providers. AONTAS uses their evidence base to work with key stakeholders to improve conditions in adult education, the quality of adult learning, and the learner experience. Conor is also a qualified Further Education teacher and has a background in adult education, working as an English Language and Adult Literacy tutor.

Dr. Etain Kidney leads the School of Marketing & Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin, overseeing a vibrant community of more than 70 academics and 1,500 students. Based within the Faculty of Business, her work focuses on inclusive business, skills-building, co-creation, and systemic collaboration for social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Over her 18-year career as a lecturer, researcher, and academic leader, Etain has worked closely with professional and trade bodies, such as the Marketing Institute of Ireland, as well as nonprofit organisations, including Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, Hockey Ireland, and the Dublin Simon Community, to translate research and education into meaningful impact. Etain sees the nonprofit sector as central to Ireland’s evolving skills ecosystem and champions the power of cross-sector collaboration to strengthen learning, leadership, and community resilience - advancing partnerships that shape both skills and a more inclusive society.

Mary Doyle was Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education and Skills from 2012 until her retirement in April 2018. As Deputy Secretary she led the Higher and Further Education Divisions in the Department. Previously, she worked in the Departments of the Taoiseach and Children and Youth Affairs. Mary is a member of the board of The Wheel and the chair of The Wheel’s Sector Skills Subcommittee. She is currently a Fellow in Public Policy in the Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Institute in Trinity College. In 2022 she was elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy.

Maria Couchman is the Director of Sector Skills at The Wheel and brings over two decades of cross-sector experience to the role, with a strong track record in leading national education, skills development, and economic development programmes. Her career spans senior roles in public, private, and not-for-profit organisations including Bord Bia, Coillte Nature, Local Enterprise Offices/Enterprise Ireland and the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, where she delivered impactful training, skills, and innovation strategies aligned with industry and national policy.

Maria is a qualified project manager and strategic growth graduate and has led EU and national initiatives across skills training, economic development, communications, design, biodiversity, and craft.

Maria's role as Director of Skills is to lead the Sector Skills Programme - supporting our members with access to high-impact, inclusive learning opportunities. She particularly enjoy connecting stakeholders to identify shared challenges and deliver creative, community-focused solutions.

Sharon Hughes is the Leadership Academy Manager in the Skills Team of The Wheel. Sharon has been involved in membership organisations for over 20 years. Before working for The Leadership Academy, she was C.E.O. of a nonprofit. Her background is managing member Events and Communications. Sharon is a qualified Coach, an experienced trainer, is a member of the Teaching Council of Ireland and is currently in her final year of a Psychology degree. She is low-key obsessed with Leadership.

If you are interested in learning more about the Leadership Academy or you have a great idea you would like to share, please email her at sharon@wheel.ie or feel free to connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.

Perrine Cesbron joined The Wheel as Programme Support Officer in November 2022 where she began working with the Skills Development and Events & Programmes teams. Perrine later moved to our EU Programmes team as a Programme Officer, where she currently manages three European Programmes, including the baSE project. Perrine has a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish Languages, a master's degree in international Cultural Strategies, and a professional background in marketing and events management.