CSSC Staff

Barry Mulholland is a highly experienced educationalist, who previously served as Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board.

More recently, Barry assumed the role of Regional Managing Director of the Education Authority, officially acting as Accounting Officer for both the former Western and North Eastern Education and Library Board areas. 

Joining CSSC was the perfect fit for Jayne, a Stranmillis graduate.  A former teacher and Vice Principal, Jayne joined the NEELB in 2002 gaining experience as Primary Officer and Assistant Senior Education Officer.

Before joining CSSC, Jayne was a member of EA’s Children and Young People’s Services senior team.

Having graduated from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Tracey taught History and Government and Politics for 15 years.

Tracey Woods has been an examiner for WJEC and CCEA.  More recently, she assisted with the revision of GCSE and A-Level specifications, and oversaw the introduction of CCEA’s new GCSE Government and Politics qualification. 

Jill Brown has over 30 years’ experience in education working both nationally and internationally. Over the last eleven years she has worked in quality improvement and post-inspection support, including leading national initiatives and international projects.

Jill was the post-16 representative on the Northern Ireland Steering Group for Numeracy (2006 – 2011).

Heather McKenzie studied at Stranmillis College and graduated in 1993 with BEd(Hons).  Since then she has worked in one village and two rural schools.

Although trained as a key stage 2 teacher, Heather has taught all primary classes, from reception to primary 7.  She has been a full-time Principal since 2005. 

Andrew has had a rewarding teaching career after graduating from Stranmillis in 1987. He is a former Vice-Principal of a large post-primary school.

Before joining CSSC, Andrew worked as an External Adviser supporting principals in PRSD and as an Executive Coach working with senior management.

Derek has worked in primary education for 33 years, as a teacher, ICT Advisory Officer and as Principal in three primary schools.

He has extensive experience in school leadership and school improvement, including development of future leaders through the PQH programme, PRSD training with Governors and assessing trainee teachers.

A researcher with a range of experience, Rachel previously authored a series of research reports focusing on childcare, parental working rights and work-life balance.

She conducted the Northern Ireland Childcare Cost Survey (2010-2016) and contributed to the Reconstituting Democracy in Europe’s international study on Parenting and Democracy in Europe (2011-2012).

Colleen joins CSSC from Arts & Business NI. 

As External Relations Manager, she had responsibility for communications, website and social media management. Colleen has over 20 years’ experience in communications which she will use to support controlled schools. Colleen holds a BA Hons in Business Studies from Ulster University.

Shane is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

He was Chief Executive of the North Eastern Education and Library Board prior to its dissolution, having previously been its Chief Finance Officer and was the Interim Head of Finance of the Education Authority on its establishment.

Having graduated with an MSSc in Organisation and Management from Queen’s University in 2006, and recently obtaining an associate CIPD accreditation, Tracy brings a range of experience to the Controlled Schools’ Support Council. She has previously worked in both public and private organisations and has over ten years’ experience in managerial roles. 

Caroline has worked within human resources since graduating, gaining a wide range of experience in all aspects of the HR function.  

Most recently, Caroline spent more than 10 years in a management role within the hospitality sector, acting as an advisor to the senior management team.

Marianne is a qualified accountant with over 25 years’ experience.

She has worked in a range of sectors, including the public, private, education and charitable sectors.  Previously, Marianne headed up the Finance and HR Department of a non-departmental public body as part of the senior management team.

Ryan previously worked in the Northern Ireland Civil Service in a number of administrative roles, including in a high profile welfare reform project for three years.

He has extensive experience of helping to deliver a public service and providing administrative support.

After graduating from Northumbria University in 2009, Zoe worked in various private and public sector organisations.

She obtained a CIPD qualification in 2014. Prior to joining the Controlled Schools’ Support Council Zoe worked for Belfast Met in HR Services.

Chris graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a BA in Politics and a MA in Irish Politics.

He has a wide range of experience in administrative roles across the voluntary/community and higher education sectors in Northern Ireland.

After graduating from RMIT University Melbourne, Australia, in 2005, Elaine worked for various public sector organisations, as well as obtaining post graduate qualifications in careers education.

Elaine oversaw the administration of a high profile investigation audit into the Lacrosse Apartment Fire in Melbourne, covering 151 sites and totalling 168 projects.