Chief Executive Officer

Max Bryant

Since 2008 Max has worked as General Manager for the National Trust, initially across the whole North Coast and then, following a decision to divide the portfolio, at Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede. During this time he was responsible for all day-to-day aspects of the strategy, including conservation, visitor servicing, working with key stakeholders and the delivery of the new visitor centre. Prior to his time with the National Trust Max had a variety of senior roles in the private and charitable sectors including CEO of Sperrins Tourism and head of primary distribution for Sainsbury’s.

Originally from Kent, Max is from a farming background and grew up with a passion for nature, a passion which he has brought to all of his previous roles, including looking at alternative transport solutions and fuel sources for Sainsbury’s. He moved to Northern Ireland in 2003 and is married with 2 sons. Aside from conservation and nature his interests include sport, especially as an enthusiastic coach for Coleraine’s under 18 rugby team, travel and the arts. He is a trustee of World Heritage UK, a Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and a Freeman of the City of London.

Head of Development & Environmental Projects

Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly is Development Manager at Northern Ireland Environment Link and regularly liaises with elected representatives at the Northern Ireland Assembly, Westminster Parliament, the European Institutions and other key decision–makers to help promote member and organisational goals. His role entails assisting NIEL members to influence policy at the local, UK and EU levels as well as participation in European funding opportunities. He also provides the secretariat for the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group and the NI Assembly All Party Group on European Environmental Directives. Prior to this role he led a number of work streams within NIEL including Climate Change, Freshwater, Biodiversity, Marine and Agriculture and represents NIEL on a number of external local and European fora. Sean has a background in agriculture and European project funding and development.

Finance Manager

Deborah Shields

Policy, Communications & IT Officer

Connor McLean

Connor studied Environmental Planning BSc. at Queen’s University Belfast from 2009–2012. Following graduation, Connor sought to gain experience working within the environmental sector. Initially, he volunteered for six months at NIEL, working on a wide range of projects. In January 2013, Connor returned part-time to oversee a redesign of the NIEL website and to develop NIEL’s online presence. Connor was subsequently employed full-time in August 2013 to fulfil a more comprehensive communications role within the organisation.

In recent years, Connor’s role has developed further to incorporate a wide range of work areas within the organisation – these include environmental policy, communications, events management and IT management. Working across a variety of projects and environmental topics, Connor has gained considerable knowledge and has picked up many skills along the way.

Connor is a “digital native” who enjoys working with computers, researching emerging tech and building his own PCs. Connor also has a keen interest in history, the built and natural environment, culture, politics, philosophy, geography, film, travelling and sight-seeing.

Administrative Officer

Aoife Jackson

Area Lead - Agriculture

Jill Montgomery

Jill coordinates NIEL’s work on agri-environment policy and projects, including the Secretariat for the Sustainable Agriculture Policy Working Group. In 2023/24 she delivered a Rural Resilience project in Northern Ireland to support the agri-sector with information on climate risks and practical adaptation, and research into public perceptions.

Jill has over 25 years’ experience of project management in Northern Ireland, London and overseas including landscape projects with the National Trust, succession planning for the family farm, business development and funding. Jill was a member of the Regional Advisory Group for the National Trust and formerly a Director on the Board of Outdoor Recreation NI. She is passionate about nature, progressive farming and local food. Her interests include cycling, running and international affairs.

Area Lead - Education for Sustainable Development

Beth Frazer

Area Lead - Freshwater

Bróna McNeill

Area Lead - Landscapes

Mike McClure

Head of Climate NI & Climate Services

Jane McCullough

Climate NI & Climate Services Manager

Stephen Jones

Stephen has more than 7 years’ experience co–ordinating climate adaptation in Northern Ireland. He has delivered bespoke climate resources and communication tools with a range of public, private and academic partners across a diverse range of sectors, from Health to Agriculture.

Recently he guided Derry City and Strabane District Council through development of the first climate change adaptation plan in the region. This led to the creation of the ‘Local Government Climate Action Network’ (LGCAN) which aims to develop adaptation plans in every local authority in NI.

Climate NI & Climate Services Manager

Amy Bell

Climate Resilience Researcher

Siobhán Keogh

Climate Officer

Jack Crone

Climate Officer

Mariarina Michailidou

Climate Assistant

Gregory McChesney

Climate Assistant

Jack Farrar