'We will continue to ensure that the people of Cork have access to the highest quality healthcare', new CEO at Mercy Hospital Foundation says

The Mercy Hospital Foundation has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

The Cork charity has appointed Rachel Stevenson, who for the past 23 years has served as director of fundraising at Cork Simon Community — where she also served as a member of its senior management team.

Ms Stevenson has almost three decades of experience in the voluntary sector, beginning her career in London, and has championed causes across disability, social disadvantage, black and minority ethnic issues, and homelessness.

She is committed to building capacity within the not-for-profit sector and has volunteered on the boards of various charities over the years.

She currently serves as chair of Charities Institute Ireland’s Munster fundraisers network.

Ms Stevenson follows in the footsteps of Micheál Sheridan, the foundation’s previous chief executive, who died last June following a brief battle with cancer.

Joining the foundation initially in 2007, Mr Sheridan helped to grow it to one of the country’s leading hospital charities. He left for three years to become CEO of Irish Community Air Ambulance, returning to the Mercy Foundation in early 2024.

In his role, Mr Sheridan had helped to raise millions for the hospital’s cancer services.

Ms Stevenson said she was honoured to join the Mercy Hospital Foundation and looked forward to contributing to the work of the foundation team, its voluntary board of directors, and the Mercy University Hospital staff.

“Together, we will continue to ensure that the people of Cork have access to the highest quality healthcare through ‘The Mercy’,” she said.

Welcoming Ms Stevenson to the role, chairperson of the Mercy Hospital Foundation board of directors Eoin Tobin said he was delighted at the appointment.

“Her extensive experience, passion for making a difference, and strong leadership skills make her the ideal person to drive our mission forward,” he said.

“We look forward to working with her to continue supporting the incredible work of ‘The Mercy’.”