West of Ireland heart and stroke charity Croí announces new CEO

Croí, the heart and stroke charity based in the west of Ireland, have announced an impending change in leadership which will mark a new chapter in the history of the organisation.

With effect from January 1 next year, current CEO Neil Johnson will step down after almost 32 years at the helm and will be succeeded by Tipperary native Mark O’Donnell.

Announcing details of the new appointment, Croí chairman Mark Gantly paid tribute to Mr. Johnson on his long service and leadership, which has seen Croí make an enormous contribution to the fight against heart disease and stroke in the west of Ireland.

Mr. Gantly said “This is a change that has been carefully planned as part of the organisation's succession planning and we are delighted to announce that Mark O’Donnell will take over as CEO from the beginning of next year.

“Mark joined the Croí team in January of 2022 as chief operations officer and head of foundation. A native of Tipperary, he has lived in Galway for over 30 years, working primarily at senior level in the public service within city, county and regional government organisations. During this time he has also gained leadership experience working in the not-for-profit sector. Mark is a graduate of University of Galway, and has academic qualifications in law, finance, management and corporate governance.”

Speaking about his appointment, Mr. O’Donnell stated: “It is a genuine honour to be appointed to the senior leadership role in Croí from next January, and one that comes with a substantial weight of responsibility. Neil has shown exemplary leadership over the past 30 years, working with an outstanding team and a committed board to develop a fantastic organisation with a critically important mission as its focus.

“Reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke on our communities is a considerable challenge. However, building on the strong foundations that have been laid, and with the exceptional team in Croí, I have no doubt that we can collectively make a significant positive impact.

“It has been a great introduction to Croí to have worked closely with Neil, our team, board, and our many volunteers over the last two years, and I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter.”

Welcoming the announcement, Mr. Johnson said: “I am not ‘hanging up my boots’ yet – I am moving to work in international patient advocacy with the Global Heart Hub, an umbrella organisation of heart patient organisations which is currently headquartered in Galway and which Croí is affiliated to. Additionally, for the next year or two, I will be supporting Mark and all the Croi team on a part-time basis to oversee the implementation of a transformational community health project which is being made possible by a very substantial legacy gift which Croí has received in recent months. Details of this very significant and exciting project will be announced in the coming weeks.”

Mr. Johnson added: “Mark and I have worked very well together for almost two years now and I know he will bring a fresh perspective and take on his new role with vigour. I wish him every success as he continues our mission to tackle the burden of heart disease and stroke.”

The outgoing CEO said that for almost four decades now, Croí has impacted the lives of thousands either through heart health awareness, education, training, early detection or patient and carer support and advocacy.

“Many Croí initiatives have literally saved lives,” he pointed out. “None of this would have been possible without an incredibly dedicated, committed and highly professional staff team. I have had the privilege of working with remarkable colleagues over the years and for that I am truly grateful.

“Equally, of course, we could not have achieved anything without our donors, sponsors and volunteers, many of whom remain connected with Croí since the first days I reached out to them. Overseeing all of this have been several boards of directors, many serving for the maximum two terms, but in all cases offering their time and expertise in a voluntary capacity without reward or remuneration.

“No words can adequately express my gratitude to so many who have worked with me and supported me over so many years. There have been so many individuals across staff, board, sponsors and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in the service of others that I dare not single anyone out for special mention, but you all know who you are.

“I wish Mark O’Donnell and all the Croí team the very best for the future and I know they will continue to make a difference in the lives of many.”