The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has appointed Carolyn Donohoe, Director of Education, Policy and Standards, as NMBI Interim CEO.

Carolyn joined the organisation in 2021 and took up the interim CEO position on 8 April. As a registered nurse, she has brought a wealth of experience in clinical practice, education and continuous professional development, and leadership in regulation to NMBI. As part of NMBI’s senior management team, Carolyn worked closely with NMBI’s outgoing CEO, Sheila McClelland.

Carolyn has led a very positive change in the organisation’s approach to regulatory site inspections, updated a significant number of important resources and provided clarity on safe effective practice - to the benefit of both the public and the professions.  

Dr Karn Cliffe will continue as Director of Professional Standards - Midwifery and also becomes Director of Education, Policy and Standards on an interim basis. Prior to joining NMBI, Karn was responsible for both nursing and midwifery portfolios and brings extensive experience and knowledge to this role and the Education, Policy and Standards Department.

Announcing the appointment, NMBI President Dr Louise Kavanagh McBride said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish Carolyn the very best as our Interim CEO and look forward to working closely with her in the coming months.”

Last month we announced that Sheila McClelland was leaving the organisation after five years as CEO.

At its meeting in March, the Board of NMBI thanked Sheila for the leadership she has shown and for her dedication to the organisation and the professions.

From all at NMBI, we would like to wish Sheila the very best for the future and welcome Carolyn to the new role.