Head of Policy & Governance
Karen Smyth has worked in a policy role for the Northern Ireland Local Government Association since 2002, and as Head of Policy since 2008. She takes a particular interest in policy on planning, regeneration, and the circular economy in addition to policy on local government structure, operation and finance.
Karen has a background in Environmental Health and worked in councils as an EHO for ten years prior to taking up her post at NILGA. She is currently a non-executive director of Sustainable NI and has held similar directorships on a number of other organisations over the years, including Building Change Trust. Karen holds a BSc(Hons) in Environmental Health and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
k.smyth@nilga.org
Head of Investment, Performance & Improvement
Lisa joined NILGA in May 2017 and is responsible for corporate performance & improvement, external relations, economic policy and funding & investment. A graduate in European Business Studies and Post Graduate in Event Management, Lisa spent seven years in Brussels as a public affairs consultant, lobbying on behalf of the financial services industry. Lisa has over 20 years experience in local government in the economic development, regeneration, tourism and large scale events fields.
l.okane@nilga.org
Regional Development Manager
Fiona Douglas has worked for NILGA since 2016 in the role of Regional Development Manager. Fiona leads the Regional Councillor Development Programme and related Councillor Development Charter and Charter Plus as well as the Regional Elected Member Development Network.. Fiona also provides public policy analysis, support research at NILGA.
f.douglas@nilga.org
Business Support Officer
Diane has worked for the Northern Ireland Local Government Association since June 1992. Diane is responsible for the management and control of NILGA’s financial accounts, together with maintaining an internal HR administrative and co-ordination service to the Chief Executive.
d.anderson@nilga.org
Business Services Officer
Sarah Little has worked for the Northern Ireland Local Government Association since April 2008 and has been in the role of Business Services Officer from 2009.
Sarah’s main role is to administer NILGA’s Full Members and Executive Meetings which occur on a bi-monthly and monthly basis, as well as provide a Personal Assistant role to the Chief Executive.
