Operational Team

Dr Irene Gibson is Head of Clinical Innovation at NIPC. She is a CVD Nurse Specialist with more than 20 years of experience across clinical practice, academia and senior management. She leads the development and delivery of clinical innovation and implementation strategies, with a focus on digital health, patient-centred care and reducing inequalities in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation. Irene also contributes to research and education programmes, helping to translate evidence into practice and strengthen NIPC’s impact nationally and internationally.

Professor Sue Hennessy is Head of Research and Education at NIPC and Adjunct Professor at the University of Galway. A nursing specialist with over 30 years of experience in clinical research, she leads the strategic and operational delivery of the Institute’s research and education portfolios. She is responsible for ensuring programmes are delivered to the highest scientific, financial, and regulatory standards, and oversees the evaluation of impact across all NIPC activities. With specialist expertise in data analysis, modelling, and biostatistics, she combines clinical insight with operational leadership to strengthen the organisation’s role in cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation, and health.

Steph Freaney is Head of Support Services at NIPC. She oversees governance, legal, HR, finance, and compliance, managing the core functions that ensure the organisation operates to the highest standards. With a strong commercial background, she has extensive experience in organisational management and in developing robust systems and processes. Her role is central to strengthening performance, supporting the effective delivery of activities, and guiding the Institute’s future growth.

Agnieszka Adamska is Research Operations Manager for international scientific research in preventive cardiology. She leads the planning and management of research studies across multiple countries and six WHO regions, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest standards. Her responsibilities include overseeing project frameworks, compliance, reporting, resource and database management, and contributing to data analysis, as well as managing the operations and logistics that enable large-scale international collaboration. She works closely with research partners worldwide and has a key role in governance and quality assurance processes. With a background in business administration and management, and previous experience leading a non-profit voluntary association, she brings strong leadership, organisational, and cross-cultural management skills. She has extensive experience in managing complex research operations that underpin the Institute’s international work.

Maureen Boyle leads the planning, development, and delivery of all training and education activities at NIPC. She oversees a broad portfolio of postgraduate programmes, short courses, webinars, masterclasses and conferences, ensuring each is delivered to the highest operational standards. With a commitment to continuous improvement and learner satisfaction, she works closely with academic and industry partners, content experts, and internal teams to deliver content that is current, relevant, and impactful.

Andrea Pereti is Research Project Coordinator supporting international scientific research in preventive cardiology. She plays a central role in the management and delivery of multi-country research projects across six WHO regions, ensuring studies progress efficiently and to the highest standards. Her responsibilities include coordinating documentation, timelines, logistics, and partner engagement, as well as supporting compliance, reporting, and effective communication across international research teams, task forces, and steering groups. Andrea contributes significantly to the smooth running of complex research operations and large-scale collaborations. With a background in sociology and research methods, she brings strong analytical and organisational skills to her role.