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Jennifer Farrelly

From finance to humanitarian leadership

Jennifer Farrelly may have known from the age of nine that she wanted to be an accountant, but she could hardly have predicted where that decision would eventually take her.

From studying Management at TU Dublin where she also met her husband, Barry,  Jennifer went on to build a career spanning finance, banking and energy before making the decision to step away from the corporate world without another role lined up.

That leap ultimately led her to GOAL, where she is now CEO. We caught up with Jennifer to talk about her time at TU Dublin, taking risks, finding purpose in a new chapter and the people and experiences that have shaped her along the way.

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I met my husband Barry while studying in TU Dublin, so he’s definitely stayed with me most! But it has been the friendships I made during my time in TU Dublin. Aside from my husband, I am still in touch with a great many people I met there.

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Left to Right: Yvonne McElroy, Celina Dooley, Anne Furey and myself, Jennifer Fagan 

I decided I wanted to be an accountant when I was nine years old so I was very clear on that from an early age. My mum and dad advised me to do a broader business degree before specialising and it was great advice.

It was the whole experience – I was only 17 starting in TU Dublin and I felt every year I grew in confidence. It was a very supportive environment – classmates, students from other courses, lecturers, students’ union and the other college staff.

I had decided that I wanted a change and when I left the corporate world, I met the former CEO of GOAL, Siobhan Walsh about some consulting work. I started initially for four months and then was asked to continue the work into 2025. When Siobhan announced that she was stepping down, the Chair asked me to take on the Interim CEO role.

And I really enjoyed it – fantastic people doing extraordinary work. I decided to apply for the CEO role.

There are plenty of similarities and probably more constraints given financial considerations. The main difference is that there is a very strong connection between the purpose of the organisation and the purpose of the individuals working in the organisation.

People feel very connected to the work we do.

Definitely the one to step away from the corporate world with no job lined up. It was terrifying not to have any income. But it led me here to GOAL. And for that I am very grateful.

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Hopefully as someone who is kind and generous and fun to be around.

I love to cook and entertain. I come from a big family and love hosting family gatherings with plenty of good food, drinks and chat.

On those days, I try to make it to the gym. I never regret going as it really helps to take your mind off the day you’ve had and gives you a different perspective.

What's a small daily habit you couldn't do without?  My morning coffee – sets me up for the day ahead.

What's one place you've visited that has stayed with you?  South Sudan – I visited there in January this year. The vast landscape and incredible, resilient people I met.

Are you someone who plans everything or goes with the flow?  Mainly a planner – except for holidays and my husband takes over.

What's one word your friends would use to describe you? Organised!