Meet the Board
Stephen Gilman
Steve is a corporate sustainability, governance and communications professional with over a decade of experience at the intersection of EU policy, business strategy and communications. He specialises in helping organisations navigate regulatory risk, ESG accountability and sustainability reporting, and in embedding these considerations into strategy, oversight and decision-making.
Steve is currently Senior Manager and Lead in the Standards Division at the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), where he contributes to the development of globally recognised sustainability reporting standards. He also supports the EU CAP Network in communicating complex agricultural and environmental policy across Member States. Earlier in his career, he worked with the European Commission, the Carbon Trust, WWF and multinational companies on sustainability strategy and environmental performance.
As Chair, Steve brings a perspective grounded in sustainability, risk and stakeholder engagement, and a firm belief that effective boards help organisations balance purpose with performance.
Alacoque McAlpine
Alacoque is a Lecturer in Sustainable Supply Chain Management at Technological University Dublin, where her teaching and research focus on the social and environmental dimensions of global supply chains. She is committed to equipping the next generation of business leaders with the knowledge and critical skills to address inequality, environmental harm and gaps in corporate governance.
She is also a Government of Ireland Scholar at UCD Sutherland School of Law. Her doctoral research examines how EU law and regulation can address in-work poverty in the European garment sector, with a focus on wage regulation, supply chain governance and corporate accountability.
Alacoque brings to the board a higher education perspective, together with expertise in sustainable business, EU regulation and social justice. She is passionate about the role of education in empowering young people to understand sustainability challenges and help shape a fairer, more sustainable future.
Emer McPartland
Emer is a financial services professional with more than 20 years’ experience across a broad range of roles, including European payments, global liquidity and investments, and anti-money laundering and Know Your Customer (AML/KYC) compliance. She has led day-to-day operations, delivered against demanding regulatory deadlines and overseen the implementation of global systems.
Emer brings to the board expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, operational leadership and large-scale change delivery. She is passionate about people development and growth, and is a committed champion of diversity and inclusion programmes, helping Education for Sustainability build a strong, well-governed and inclusive organisation.
Marion O'Donnell
Marion is a sustainability professional and qualified solicitor with 14 years’ experience advising financial institutions, companies and boards on sustainability strategy, ESG risk and responsible business.
Marion is currently ESG Risk Director for Europe, the UK and APAC at TD Global Finance, where she leads the development of ESG risk frameworks and sits on the Executive Risk Committee in Ireland and the UK. She also lectures on sustainable finance for the Institute of Banking, in a programme awarded through University College Dublin, and works with the Institute of Directors and the Law Society of Ireland to deliver sustainability training to their members. She previously spent over a decade at Fidelity International in London, Singapore and Dublin, where she led company engagement on climate, governance and human rights.
Marion brings to the board deep expertise in ESG risk and governance, sustainability regulation and human rights, along with a strong legal background. She also brings a talent for translating complex issues into practical, business-focused action.
Travis Moon
Travis is a marketing and content strategist with over a decade of experience in storytelling, brand development and audience engagement. As the founder of Moon Content Strategy, and through roles with Kipu Health, Opportunity@Work and Sage Growth Partners, he has developed campaigns, brand narratives and resources that connect with diverse audiences and inspire meaningful action.
Travis brings to the board expertise in marketing strategy, brand management, storytelling and content development, along with a strong understanding of digital communications and audience insight. He has a particular talent for making complex or challenging topics feel accessible and engaging. He believes authentic storytelling helps people connect, understand and take action, an approach he brings to Education for Sustainability and our work with young people.
Andrew Adams
Andrew is a senior education leader with more than 30 years’ experience in teaching, school leadership and student development. As Deputy Principal of Newpark Comprehensive School, he plays a central role in the school’s strategic leadership, curriculum delivery and pastoral care, championing a holistic approach to education that extends well beyond the classroom.
Throughout his career, Andrew has created opportunities for young people to build confidence, knowledge and skills across academic learning, personal development, sport and wider school life.
Andrew brings to the board extensive expertise in education leadership, curriculum development and implementation, and a deep understanding of the Irish education system and national education policy. He also brings a strong commitment to student wellbeing. His insight helps ensure that Education for Sustainability’s work is relevant and impactful, and that it supports young people to feel inspired and ready to play their part in creating a more sustainable future.
David Balfe
David is an entrepreneur and business leader with experience spanning hospitality, operations management and sustainable enterprise. He began his career in hospitality, including as Head Chef at The Church Bar and Restaurant, where he led kitchen teams, managed budgets and oversaw the day-to-day running of a high-volume operation. He went on to found and run his own eco-friendly cleaning company in Dublin, taking responsibility for business strategy, financial management and growth.
David brings to the board expertise in strategic planning, business development, financial and budget management, and team leadership and staff development. His practical, people-focused approach helps Education for Sustainability turn good ideas into lasting, well-run initiatives, while never losing sight of the people and purpose behind them.
Susan Adams
Susan is the founder of Education for Sustainability and has led its growth from an idea into an award-winning national programme. She authored the Climate Literacy Teacher Training Programme, now delivered in 17% of Irish schools, and has overseen the organisation’s reach to over 50,000 students and 2,000 teachers.
Susan brings expertise in programme design, teacher training and the delivery of large-scale, multi-site and publicly funded projects, including two Research Ireland climate literacy programmes. She has built the organisation’s partnerships across schools, government, local authorities and community groups, with a strong focus on inclusion and climate justice.
A TEDx speaker, Susan brings to the board the founding vision, sector knowledge and delivery experience that continue to shape the organisation’s strategy and impact.
