Jim Buchanan
Managing local external communications for manufacturing facilities

Jim Buchanan is Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager for Lafarge Cement Ireland. Lafarge is the world’s largest cement manufacturer and is the only UK producer with nationwide coverage. Jim maintains and develops management systems such as EMAS, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 systems. He is responsible for motivating and encouraging others to achieve Environmental/Health & Safety benefits for a wide range of industrial matters.

Sue Christie
Communicating environmental issues

Sue has been the Director of Northern Ireland Environment Link, the networking and forum body for voluntary environmental organizations in Northern Ireland, since 1991. She was involved in the development of the first Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland and is currently an independent member of the Strategic Waste Board.

Peter Dixon
Engaging with key stakeholders: What every organisation needs to know

Peter Dixon is Chief Executive of Phoenix Natural Gas Limited, a role he was appointed to in July 2000, having joined Phoenix as Commercial Director in 1997. He began his career as an engineer in 1976 with North West Gas in Liverpool. He played a key role in the break-up of what was the old British Gas into separate standalone businesses. In addition to his role as CEO of Phoenix, Peter is a past Council Member of the CBI, and is an Advisory Board Member of Common Purpose NI.

Jim Dougal
Talking to the media: Do’s and don’ts

Jim Dougal is Managing Director of a communications consultancy and an independent broadcaster and journalist with 30 years experience. He was formerly Political Editor for BBC NI and Northern Editor for RTÉ. From 1997-2004, Jim was the official spokesperson for the European Commission both in Northern Ireland and then in the UK and was responsible for presenting European policy for the Commission in an often-hostile media.

Don Heaney
Stakeholder management for the healthcare sector

Don Heaney is currently the Media and Public Affairs Manager with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.  Don was appointed to this position in 2007 following the establishment of a restructured Health and Social Services in April 2007.  He had previously been Head of Communications for the Homefirst Community Trust since 2003.  A trained graphic designer, Don worked for more than 10 years in the private sector before joining the Northern Health and Social Services Board in 1993.

Uel Hoey
Communicating with stakeholders: Progressing the business agenda

Uel Hoey is Business Development Director for Belfast International Airport. Appointed in 2002, Uel’s role involves promoting the development of the air service network in a peripheral part of Europe. Since joining the company in 1988, Uel has worked in the areas of PR, Marketing and Research, specialising in the area of Route Development. He has experience in acquisition projects, most notable being the purchase of London Luton Airport.

Neil Johnston
Chair & introduction

Neil Johnston is Campaign Director for the Conservatives and Unionists, a role he took up during early 2009. He is a former Director of Chambré PA, a Belfast-based government and media consultancy. He worked in politics in London before returning to Northern Ireland in public affairs for the RSPB and the BBC. A Politics and Economics graduate from Loughborough University, he is a member of the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Osvaldo Mauro-Hun
Engaging local communities on major projects: Rose Energy case study

Osvaldo Mauro-Hun is Chief Executive of Rose Energy, responsible for all activities leading to the successful completion of the first biomass power station in Northern Ireland. He took up his post in July 2007, previously he has worked in the coal, chemical, steel and renewable energy industries. His background includes several years as General Manager and Operations Director of Fibrowatt and Energy Power Resources (EPR).

Paddy McGettigan
NGO case study: Building support through stakeholder campaigning

Paddy is currently Director of Housing and Support Services for Simon Community Northern Ireland, having joined the organisation in 2005 as Assistant Director. He has responsibility for the management and provision of accommodation and community based services to meet the needs of homeless people throughout Northern Ireland.

Roy Nelson
Key components of a successful stakeholder engagement campaign

Roy Nelson is head of the communication section at CAFRE, a position he has held since 1994. He is responsible for the development and management of the QUB Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate programmes in Communication at the Loughry Campus. Roy has taught a range of subjects on the postgraduate courses, including research & development, risk perception and management and behavioural modelling. Roy has published widely on the areas of communication, risk and food research.

Nigel Tilson
Communicating with stakeholders in a crisis

Nigel Tilson is UK Communications Manager with Stena Line, the world’s largest ferry operator. He was Business Editor of The Belfast Telegraph for over seven years prior to joining Stena Line in April 2008. Based in Belfast, his role with the ferry company embraces public relations, media relations and public affairs.

John White
Communications issues around large infrastructure projects

John White is acting Director of Strategic Programmes with Roads Service. John’s responsibilities include implementing Roads Service’s Strategic Road Improvement Programme Planning. Roads Service is currently engaged in a major programme of infrastructure development with recent roads projects including the Westlink/M1, M2 and A1 with further work planned on a number of key routes over the next few years.