CIF Staff & Officers

Maude is responsible for the onboarding and retention of CIF Members. Additionally, she acts as the liaison between members and all functional areas within CIF to resolve service, support, and billing inquiries. Maude joined CIF in 2014 and was involved in the establishment of CIRI (Construction Industry Register Ireland) before being promoted to her current role.

Bernardine is responsible for marketing and membership development at the CIF. She has worked in similar roles in a number of leading representative bodies in Ireland. At CIF, Bernardine’s main responsibilities include securing and growing new business for the organisation.

Meabh Smith joined CIF in 2022 and provides strategic oversight and management of communications including media relations, integrated campaign management, digital marketing, branding, website development, social media engagement, event management and publications. Prior to joining CIF, Meabh was a brand manager with an IFSC reinsurance company and held roles as Head of Communications within the disability and overseas development sectors, where she managed public communications campaigns on domestic and international issues. Meabh’s qualifications include Masters Degrees in Journalism and Digital Media, and in Science, alongside Diplomas in Project Management and Direct and Digital Marketing.    

Jennifer Nisbet-Daly joined the CIF in 2018 and holds a BBus in Marketing & Event Management, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Innovation & Enterprise from University College Dublin. Jennifer also holds a National Diploma in Media & has a QQI award for Business Planning. Alongside the management of corporate, commercial & media relationships, Jennifer plays a key role in the delivery of the CIF’s public affairs strategy, website management, and national campaigns, while overseeing and contributing to the production of internal and external communications materials such as Construction Magazine, Construction Matters, press statements, and CIF reports.

Dermot Carey heads up Safety & Training Department within the CIF. Dermot has responsibility for developing and guiding the CIF’s policy in these areas. Along with shaping policy, the role involves liaising with Government departments, Education sector and members on issues and providing assistance with member safety regulatory compliance. Included in this role is the operation of the Safe-T-Cert accreditation service and its day-to-day operations in the Republic of Ireland.

Jean and her team provide information and advice to contractors on managing their workforce to ensure compliance with employment protective legislation. The Department also represents contractors at third party hearings, including the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Jean represents the industry at national level on the NJIC and ENJIC. The Department also provides sample contracts of employment, staff handbooks (which include all relevant policies and procedures) and reference guides.

Michelle joined the CIF in 2022 coming from a HR background with extensive industry experience. Michelle obtained a BA (Hons) in HRM from NCI , as well a holding a CIPD Certificate in Employment Law. Most recently, Michelle completed an Advance Diploma in Quasi-Judicial Decision Making in the Honourable Society of King’s Inns.  Michelle advises CIF members on all IR and HR issues, including best practice, keeps them abreast of current employment legislation changes & represents members in third party disputes.

Cathy joined the CIF in 2003 and over the following years, Cathy worked in the Industrial Relations and Manpower Department giving advice to members regarding Employment Law and HR issues. More recently in addition to advising members in Employment Law, Cathy now offers full-time support to the Housing Director, in an administrative role.

Lisa joined the CIF in 2023 coming from a consultancy background focused on employment litigation in the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. Lisa holds a BCL in Law and Society from Dublin City University and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Employment Law from Kings Inns. Lisa is available to advise all members on issues pertaining to Industrial Relations, Human Resources and Employment Law along with providing representation in any third party disputes.

Dermot Carey heads up Safety & Training Department within the CIF. Dermot has responsibility for developing and guiding the CIF’s policy in these areas. Along with shaping policy, the role involves liaising with Government departments, Education sector and members on issues and providing assistance with member safety regulatory compliance. Included in this role is the operation of the Safe-T-Cert accreditation service and its day-to-day operations in the Republic of Ireland.

Robert Butler heads up the CIF Learning & Development Department and has responsibility for developing and delivering the CIF’s CPD programmes as well as the externally accredited training programmes. Robert has responsibility for developing new content including elearning modules with our business partners.

Conor is responsible for new business development for the CIF Learning & Development Department. He liaises with members and non-members in relation to courses taking place throughout the different regions. He advises on courses that are most applicable to companies and learners requirements

Kim is responsible for credit control and aged debt control. Kim’s key responsibilities are in dealing with QQI for our accredited programs. Kim provides administration for the following CIF programs; QQI Level 6 Building Control program, QQI Level 6 Project Supervisor Construction Stage, CIF IOSH Project Supervisor Design Process, CIF Appointed Persons for Crane program, CIF /EPA Radon program, CIF Core Safety Management Renewal Regional programs, CIF Management & Inspection of Scaffolding program, Conservation Theory Heritage Contractors program, Air Tightness Program. Kim also controls the CIF Virtual Academy programs.

Catherine joined CIF in March 2022.  Catherine provides administration for the following CIF programs;  CIF Site Supervisor Safety Training Programme, CIF Temporary Works Coordinator, CIF Assured Site Managers a Practical Approach to Building Regulations, CIF Environmental Management for Construction (Focused on Land, Waste, Water & Pollution Prevention), & CIF IOSH Safety for Construction Manager Program.

Catherine is responsible for all web orders. 

Catherine looks after the renewal of Delegate ID Cards 

As Director of Main Contracting Services with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Paul provides administrative leadership of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association and Master Builders and Contractors Association. He is also the secretary to the CIF’s Procurement, Tendering and Contractual Matters Policy Sub-Committee. Paul is a Chemical Engineering Graduate, and holds a postgraduate diploma in Construction Law and Contract Administration. He also has experience in and holds qualifications in Strategy and Innovation, Business Transformation, Organisation Development, Leadership, Lean 6-Sigma and Strategic HR. Paul began his career as a Contracts Manager in the Water and Waste Water Industry. He previously worked in the Tendering and Contracting Department in the CIF before working as an Executive in the Industrial Property Development sector. Since then, Paul has worked with Engineers Ireland and the Royals College of Surgeons in areas of policy development, governance, internal consultancy, membership support and service, advocacy, representation, quality assurance and process excellence, accreditation, academic and professional education, training, strategy and business transformation.

Alison Irving joined the CIF as an administrator in 2008 and has been an Executive since 2013 and Secretary to the Civil Engineering Contractors Association since 2016. She provides assistance and guidance to members on issues relating to prequalification, tendering, contractual matters and disputes amongst other matters. She has a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Masters’ degree in Criminal Justice and was called to the Bar of Ireland in 2014.

A Chartered and Registered Building Surveyor with over 20 years post graduate, technical and project management experience in Irish and European building projects. Managing specialist and subcontractor trade associations to assist in the development of professional, efficient contracting businesses. Our aim is to showcase the value of our member companies as ‘best in class’ and to help them achieve their business growth ambitions. Leading initiatives on innovation, BIM and continuous improvement for the construction sector. Specialist support areas primarily include, advising on contract, payment, dispute resolution and procurement issues.

Gillian Ross is responsible for the executive support of specialist associations’ business within the Federation. Gillian administers a range of member services activities covering marketing and promotion of associations, lobbying and representation. She also deals with member queries on procurement, tendering and contractual matters, amongst other issues.

Denise Tuffy joined the CIF in 2016 and holds a Masters’ in Business Administration from Trinity College Dublin. Denise is responsible for the executive support of the mechanical & electrical associations within the Federation; and the Construction 4.0 policy committee.

Conor joined the CIF in 2001 and has worked in several roles within the CIF representing members and industry issues to a wide variety of industry stakeholders. Conor is also the Secretary of the Regional Development Committee of the CIF and is responsible for the development of CIF Regional Development Policy as well as stakeholder engagement on construction policy issues across Government Departments, Semi-State Agencies, Local Authorities, Politicians and various regional bodies. Conor is a strong advocate for the role of the construction industry in regional development through the provision of infrastructure. Conor holds a mix of qualifications in Business, Law, Industrial Relations and prior to his current role he worked extensively in employee relations in the construction sector. Until 2022, Conor was the Southern Region Director for the CIF, before taking up the role of Housing, Planning & Development Director.

Before joining the CIF in October 2021, Aine worked in the UK as Enterprise Manager for Overbury Enterprises, a 6,000-acre rural estate in the heart of Gloucestershire, UK. Aine is Executive of Housing, Planning and Development and offers support and advice to members of the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA), whilst representing their interests on related committees and working groups. The role also includes developing strategy, as part of a team, and engaging with Government Departments, Local Authorities, agencies and other stakeholders to ensure members’ views are formally considered and communicated. Aine has a Master’s Degree in Rural Estate & Land Management from Harper Adams University and a Certificate in Construction Project Management from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Cathy joined the CIF in 2003 and over the following years, Cathy worked in the Industrial Relations and Manpower Department giving advice to members regarding Employment Law and HR issues. More recently in addition to advising members in Employment Law, Cathy now offers full-time support to the Housing Director, in an administrative role.

Jeanette is the CIF’s Head of Economic and Policy Research. She works with Federation policy committees and Directors, helping guide policy across a spectrum of economic / industry / fiscal / regulatory / development issues. She is also responsible for carrying out and commissioning new research, expanding the CIF’s information databases, preparation of submissions and strategy papers and advocating on various industry matters to support CIF’s dialogue with key policy stakeholders. Jeanette joined the CIF in 2007 as Housing, Planning and Development Executive, a role she held until 2017. She was Project Manager of CIRI (Construction Industry Register Ireland) from 2013 to 2017 during which time she oversaw the establishment and operation of the new register. Jeanette has been Manager of the CIF’s Register of Heritage Contractors since 2011.

An experienced Construction Industry professional, Joanne joined the CIF in 2022. With in excess of 15 years’ industry knowledge, Joanne holds qualifications in HR, leadership, health and safety and HSQE auditing. Having worked as a HR Manager for a large construction and engineering company spanning Ireland and the UK, her skills include policy development and implementation, employee and industrial relations, organisational change, craft and professional apprenticeship training, and CPD. Joanne has been associated with the CIF for over 10 years and she brings her expertise, experience and knowledge to our members servicing the Cork, South East, Mid West and Kerry branches. She is responsible for providing advice and support to the CIF members within the Southern Region, maximising engagement with stakeholders and ensuring member interests are represented on regional committees, state agencies and local authorities.

Ronan O’Brien is an Executive for the CIF Southern Region, servicing the South East, Cork, Mid West and Kerry Branches of the CIF. A Graduate of Waterford Institute of Technology, Ronan has worked in the construction industry all his professional career. His career involved working with large multi-national organisations in the Middle East and Canada, in the Oil & Gas and Mining & Metal industries before returning to the Irish market. Ronan deals with member queries on procurement, tendering and contractual matters, amongst other issues. He also represents member interests on a number of Regional Committees and to Regional Local Authorities. He also liaises with key industry stakeholders, to be guest speakers at morning briefings and other events in the Southern Region for CIF members.

Bríd has worked in the Cork Office of CIF since 1997.  She provides administrative support to staff in both the Cork and Galway offices and looks after reception for the CIF Cork Office. As well as greeting all visitors to the office and handling public & member queries, she also handles the many telephone calls made to the Cork and Galway offices.  Bríd is also the main point of contact for all CIF publications such as contracts and other materials. Bríd co-ordinates all of the in-house facilities with respect to training courses and meetings held in the Cork Office.

Justin Molloy is the Director for the CIF in the Western and Midland and has extensive experience of working in the construction industry. He is currently responsible for managing the four CIF Western and Midland regional branches; Galway, Donegal, North West and Midland Branches. Justin also offers expert advice and support to the members, as well as representing their interests on a number of regional committees. He regularly meets with the regional Local Authorities, State Agencies and other industry bodies to further the aims of the industry.

Antoinette joined the CIF in 2016, bringing over 15 years of experience with her. Since 2022, Antoinette is the Executive in charge of the activities that relate to the Voluntary Construction Register (VCR), the official online register of competent builders.

Julie oversees the activities that relate to the Voluntary Construction Register (VCR), the official online register of competent builders. Along with this, Julie is also responsible for the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) element of VCR.