LIMERICK Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher has announced that she will step down from her position as the head of the business representative body.
Ms Gallagher first took up the role in September 2024, after the previous Chamber CEO, Dee Ryan, stepped down to contend the inaugural Limerick mayoral elections.
Limerick Chamber said that its board of directors accepted Ms Gallagher’s resignation and the transition will be effectively immediately.
The board expressed its “sincere gratitude for the CEO’s leadership and significant contributions during their tenure”.
Announcing the departure, Ms Gallagher said that “it has been a privilege to lead Limerick Chamber and to work alongside a talented team and a dedicated membership”.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished and am confident that the Chamber is well-positioned for continued success. I extend my best wishes to the organisation and its members for the future.”
Chamber president Mairead Connolly said that “on behalf of the entire board, I want to thank our departing CEO, Michelle Gallagher, for their dedicated service and the milestones we achieved together”.
“We appreciate their commitment to the Limerick business community and wish her the very best in her future endeavours. We have already initiated the process to identify a new leader to guide the Chamber into its next chapter of supporting and advocating for our members.”
During the transition, the Chamber’s senior leadership team will manage its day-to-day operations “to ensure continuity of service and support for all members during this transition period”.
“The board is focused on a smooth handover and is committed to appointing a successor who will continue to advance the Chamber’s mission of fostering a vibrant business environment in Limerick,” the Chamber said.
Previous to her role with the Chamber, Ms Gallagher held senior leadership roles in multinational corporations, startups, and SMEs in both business and consumer-facing markets. The Laurel Hill, Limerick School of Art and Design, and University of Limerick graduate also has strong roots in the Mid West within community, sporting, and voluntary sectors.
She also holds the role of president of the MBA Association of Ireland, one of just four women appointed to the role in the organisation’s 60-year history.