Find out more about the people behind CO3:
Valerie McConville, Chief Executive
Suzanne Courtney, Member Service Manager
Nichola Johnston, Administration and Events Officer
Louise Cahoon, Events and Communications Executive
Patrick Minne, Director of Business Development
Valerie McConville, Chief Executive
Valerie has a track record in senior leadership and people development in a variety of organisations. She holds an MBA from Queen's University and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). She has worked in management & leadership training, business growth and membership development in her previous roles.
An advocate of mental health & wellbeing she is a qualified yoga instructor and teaches a weekly class and she practises meditation & mindfulness.
She supports a flexible & healthy work life balance and enjoys walking, a (leisurely) cycle and paddleboarding when the Northern Irish summer permits.
Suzanne Courtney, Member Service Manager
Suzanne has over 20 years’ experience in sales management within the private sector and prides herself on building and maintaining relationships. Suzanne oversees all elements regarding CO3s member base, be it recruitment, support, communications, introductions and development. When not working, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband Scott and 2 sons Will and Max, which usually involves standing in the freezing cold
watching them play football!
Nichola Johnston, Administration and Events Officer
Nichola has over 25 years of administrative experience in various positions, most recently 11 years with Age Sector Platform as Finance and Administration Officer.
When not working, Nichola enjoys home cooking/baking and trying new recipes. As well as picking up her camera, when possible for capturing various action sports photography.
Louise Cahoon, Events and Communications Executive
Louise has been working organising events for several years in a few organisations. Louise has experience organising award ceremonies, conferences and seminars as well as being on the Marketing and Events team for the Grand National.
Before CO3, Louise worked in Royal College of Nursing, Randox and Grant Thornton.
Our clients benefit from her genuine passion, acute organisational skills and a great eye for detail.
Louise has gone from Events and Admin Officer in CO3 to Events and Communications Executive and is enjoying the creative side of the work.
Patrick Minne, Director Of Business Development
Patrick has worked as a Chief Executive, Senior Manager and Trustee in Northern Ireland’s third sector since 2007, establishing a strong network of contacts who are as passionate as he is himself about the sector’s ability to change society for the better. His previous experience at Senior Management level in the private sector, working with a range of public sector clients, gives these networks strength and depth. He particularly enjoys identifying organisations and individuals who, like him, combine ‘a social heart with a business head’.