New Northern Ireland trustee and chair announced for heritage funds
Marie-Thérèse McGivern has been appointed by the Prime Minister to The National Lottery Heritage Fund board as trustee and chair of the Northern Ireland Committee.
The role brings responsibility for the Heritage Fund and Memorial Fund’s work across the UK as well as specific responsibility for leading the Heritage Fund’s Committee for Northern Ireland.
Marie-Thérèse has a strong background in regeneration, place-making and skills development.
She began her career as a further education lecturer before joining the Making Belfast Work initiative, becoming head of policy, planning and research.
She was appointed as the first director of development at Belfast City Council, leading economic development, tourism, culture, urban regeneration, and neighbourhood services.
From 2009 to 2020, she served as principal and chief executive of Belfast Metropolitan College where she led a transformation programme creating an award-winning institution.
More recently her career has focused on non-executive roles, she is currently a non-executive director of both the Strategic Investment Board for Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Water. She previously served on the Board of Invest NI and was chair of Maritime Belfast Trust.
Commenting on her appointment Marie-Thérèse McGivern said: “I’m delighted to take up this role and help to maximise the impact of National Lottery funding so that our heritage is valued, cared for and sustained.
“From previous experience, I understand the crucial role that heritage investment plays in placemaking, regeneration and developing skills across Northern Ireland. I'm looking forward to connecting with the people behind the range of Heritage Fund projects in the coming years.”
Welcoming Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Dr Simon Thurley CBE, chair of the Heritage Fund and the Memorial Fund said: “I am delighted to welcome Marie-Thérèse to the board. Her expertise will be very welcome in shaping how National Lottery funding is invested across the UK for the benefit of local communities. Marie-Thérèse deeply understands the value of heritage from historic buildings to our landscapes, nature, industrial past, historic collections, and the stories and traditions of our communities. She is well equipped to help us deliver lasting impact for people and places across the UK.” Marie-Thérèse was named Institute of Directors UK Public Sector Director of the Year in 2015 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and the City and Guilds of London Institute.
In 2021, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Social Science from Queen's University, Belfast.
Marie-Thérèse has been appointed for a term of three years, commencing on 30 December 2026.