Our Team

Valerie McConville

Chief Executive

Valerie is a recognised charity leader, strategist and advocate, with deep experience supporting boards, chief executives and senior leaders through periods of change, growth and challenge.

She leads CO3’s work on leadership development, governance, organisational sustainability and sector influence. She works closely with funders, government and partners to champion strong, confident leadership and effective, well‑governed organisations.

A committed champion of the sector, Valerie brings clarity, challenge and practical support to the leaders she works with, helping them navigate complexity, strengthen financial resilience and deliver greater social impact.

Suzanne Courtney

Head of Operations

Suzanne has over 20 years’ experience in sales management within the private sector and is passionate about building strong, lasting relationships. At CO3, she leads all aspects of the member experience-from recruitment and event management to communications, connections and development.

 Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband Scott and her two sons, Will and Max- often cheering them on from the sidelines at rugby matches. She also loves reading and socialising whenever she gets the chance.

Cathy Harris

Events & Finance Officer

Cathy brings a wealth of experience to CO3 having worked in journalism, hospitality, tertiary education and most recently, five years in the waste and recycling sector. As Events and Finance Officer, she looks after end-to-end management of CO3’s training, networking, and flagship events.

Outside of work, Cathy loves family time with husband Richard, sons Manus and Thomas, and spoiling grandchildren Conor, Ethan and Grace.

Patrick Minne

Director of CO3 Enterprises

Patrick has worked as a Chief Executive, Senior Manager and Trustee in Northern Ireland’s third sector since 2007, establishing a strong network of contacts who are as passionate as he is himself about the sector’s ability to change society for the better.

His previous experience at Senior Management level in the private sector, working with a range of public sector clients, gives these networks strength and depth. He particularly enjoys identifying organisations and individuals who, like him, combine ‘a social heart with a business head’.

Andreina Ojeda

Communications and Policy Officer

Andreina is Communication and Policy Officer at CO3. Her main priority is to make sure all members are aware of latest news, trainings and events so they can get the most out of their memberships with CO3.

When she is not working with CO3 she is helping Latin American women to build their own online businesses and impact more lives.

Christina Johnston

Programme & Membership Co-ordinator

Christina’s professional life began in hospitality management and moved into membership, she has 15 years direct membership experience and a genuine commitment to delivering maximum Membership engagement.

In this role Christina looks after all aspects of the Financial Resilience Mentoring Programme and the Membership onboarding and renewal process. She also works on sustaining and growing Membership to ensure that CO3 continues to thrive.

Christina is married to Philip, has two (nearly) grown-up children and is half terrified of and half looking forward to an empty nest! She enjoys gentle weight training, dog walks and spending time with friends.

Lesley Dugan-Clarke

Recruitment Analyst

Lesley’s career has seen her working across different fundraising streams within Higher Education and on a hospice capital campaign. After a successful track record of raising funds, she decided to give back to the Third Sector in a different capacity, by supporting charitable organisations with recruitment. Her direct experience has given her the advantage of understanding how the sector operates and the culture.

She is driven by helping others who want to grow in their careers, make a difference and add value. She is passionate about connecting people to causes and appreciates seeing the impact her own her work has with securing successful placements.

Jennifer Walker

Executive Assistant

Jennifer is Executive Assistant to Valerie McConville at CO3. In this role Jennifer provides administrative and operational support to the CEO.

When she is not working with CO3 Jennifer spends time with her family and enjoys walks along the coast near where she lives.

Gillian Lewis

Head of The NI Health Collective

Gillian leads the NI Health Collective in its mission to function as a ‘network of networks,’ enabling representatives from existing groups across Northern Ireland to unite as a significant voice in policymaking to improve health outcomes in the region and act as an essential catalyst for change.

With 27 years experience in the field of public health Gillian has a passion and commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity. 

When not working, Gillian spends much valued time with her family and as a lifelong volunteer, she is active in her local community. 

Paula Carson-Lewis

Project Administrator

Paula has 10+ years project administration experience in the VCSE and public health sectors.  Most recently she has supported neurodivergent children and adults through social and employability programmes and contributed to the promotion of infant mental health in Northern Ireland.

Alongside her administrative and project work, she has also worked as an actor, theatre maker and drama facilitator, championing community collaboration and sharing stories from unrepresented groups, such as developing an NI Arts Council funded play on the experiences of new mothers during Covid-19.

Outside of work, she values time with her son, and family, and when she gets a chance, continues to write and create on social justice issues.