Lisa McElherron

With over 25 years of experience in the social sector, Lisa am a passionate and visionary leader who drives social change through insight, engagement, and innovation. As the Group Director of Insight, Engagement and Innovation at Inspire, Ireland's largest wellbeing charity, Lisa oversees the strategic communications, policy, research, campaigns, innovation, and income generation functions of the organisation, ensuring that the Inspire voice and impact are amplified and aligned with our mission and values.

Lisa leads the development and implementation of innovative solutions and partnerships thatenhance the services Inspires 850 staff delivers to 25,000 stakeholders and beneficiaries each year. She oversees the engagement and advocacy activities of the organisation, building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as government, media, funders, and influencers.

Lisa designs and deliver evidence-based policy and research projects that inform and influence decision-making and public opinion on issues related to mental health, addictions, intellectual disability and well-being.

She has a strong background and expertise in strategic communications, internal and external communications, and stakeholder engagement, as well as a keen interest and knowledge in politics, public health, and social and economic justice.

Lisa served on the Monitoring Committees EU Funding and was appointed by the First and Deputy First Ministers to sit on the Welfare Reform Working Group headed by Prof Eileen Evason. Lisa worked at NICVA for 15 years during that time she set up the first Open Data Institute Node for NI and lead the economic justice think tank Centre for Economic Employment and the Detail Data journalism project. Lisa is currently external advisor to the Northern Ireland Procurement Board specialising in ESG, social clauses and inclusion.