The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s largest cancer charity. The Society is a community of patients, survivors, volunteers, supporters, health and social care professionals and researchers, working for a future where no one dies from cancer. The Society directly provides information, services and supports to people affected by cancer; funds life-saving and life-changing research; and drives improvements in public services to advocacy and campaigning.
As CEO, Averil leads the Society’s new 5-year strategy. It sets out an ambitious vision that by 2025, three out of four Irish cancer patients will survive their diagnosis, and everyone affected by the disease will have access to world class treatment, care and support. To achieve this vison and drive forward the strategy, Averil is leading transformational change within the Society and the wider cancer environment.
Averil has almost 20 years’ experience of policy-making, strategic leadership and campaigning as a charity leader, Senator and Government Advisor. She has a degree in Business, including not-for-profit management, from Trinity College and is a qualified barrister. Averil is respected in the public space as an advocate and change-maker and was a recipient of a Woman of the Year award for her work on marriage equality.