COPE Galway has announced that Michael Smyth has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer. The local charity provides services across Galway for people who experience homelessness, domestic abuse and for older people requiring nutritional and social supports.
Previously, Michael Smyth was CEO of SCCUL Enterprises, a community development charity based in the east of Galway City, which operates a number of diverse social enterprise initiatives focused on empowering positive well-being and growth.
Speaking of his appointment, Michael said, “I am very excited to be joining the COPE Galway team and to build on the phenomenal work this organisation has achieved across the Galway community. As I assume this role during these exceptional times of uncertainty and change across the globe, there are no doubt challenges ahead in leading this organisation into the future. Nevertheless, I am motivated by our potential to empower people, create change and strengthen our communities and look forward to the journey ahead”.
COPE Galway Chairman, Eamon Bradshaw, welcomed Michael on behalf of the Board of Directors and commended the legacy of Michael’s predecessor, Jacquie Horan: “Jacquie has successfully led COPE Galway through immense social challenges and changes over the past 24 years and we wish her the very best as she takes up her new role as COPE Galway’s Head of Senior Support Service next month.”
Mr Bradshaw continued, “Homelessness has not gone away; reports of domestic abuse increased exponentially during the pandemic and recent narratives around ageing and older people indicate a need for more focus on positive and active ageing in our community, now more than ever before. COPE Galway’s services are continuously in demand. We are confident that Michael, with his extensive experience and his passionate belief in people’s potential and the power of community, will lead COPE Galway successfully in delivering our vision for a community where every person?is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life”.
Michael joined COPE Galway as CEO on 31 May 2021. He is responsible for its management, oversight and governance as set by the Board of Directors. Prior to joining COPE Galway, Michael was CEO of SCCUL Enterprises, a position he held since 2014.
Originally from Athboy in Co. Meath, Michael Smyth has been living in Galway for 13 years. He is a graduate of GMIT (BA Gno agus Cumarsaid 2012 ) and NUIG (MBA 2020 and MSc Strategic Marketing 2013 ). Michael is a keen sports fan, fluent in Irish and has a passionate belief in people’s potential and the power of community.
COPE Galway is a local Galway organisation whose vision is for a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life. Their mission is making a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities.
COPE Galway understands, respects and responds to the needs of people who struggle with the challenges of homelessness and domestic abuse and supports older people towards healthy and active ageing. The local organisation has been providing essential social services across these three service areas to the people of Galway on behalf of the state since the 1970s.
COPE Galway offers support services from 12 locations across the city with a team of 180 employees and 170 volunteers. Last year, they supported over 3,000 men, women, children and young people across the city and county. COPE Galway places its values – rights, respect, hope, community, safety and professionalism – at the heart of its work in the communit
