Judging Panel

An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, drawn from the highest echelons of the Educational Institutions in Ireland and abroad, will determine the winners of the Education Awards.

We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in the education industry.

Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.

This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com

2025 Judging Panel

Willie Donnelly (Judging Coordinator)

Director of Research and Innovation, The Technical Higher Education Association THEA

Research Innovation and Engagement Director, The Technical Higher Education Association (THEA) Ireland. Previous Role: President, Waterford Institute of Technology (2015-May 2022). Created on led one of Ireland's leading academic research centre TSSG/Walton Institute. VIEW MORE

Dr Joseph Collins

Director of Further Education and Training, ETBI

Dr Joseph Collins is Director of Further Education and Training at ETBI. VIEW MORE

Gerard Culley

Chief Information Officer, University College Cork

Chief Information Officer in one of Ireland leading and largest Universities, Dr Culley leads a team of 80 IT Professionals in University College Cork VIEW MORE

Tomas Finneran

Co-founder & Director, Fluirse Education Solutions

Co-founder of Flúirse Education Solutions, an award winning eLearning and training company based in Tralee, operating career focussed training centres across Ireland. Flúirse are also the leading providers of online training for primary school teachers in Ireland. VIEW MORE

Graham Heaslip

Head of School of Engineering, Atlantic Technological University

Graham is Professor of Logistics Engineering, Head of the Atlantic Technological University Galway-Mayo College, and Head of the School of Engineering at Atlantic Technological University, Galway, Ireland. VIEW MORE

Gavin Henrick

CEO, Brickfield Education Labs

Gavin is the co-founder and CEO of Brickfield Education Labs.He has 16 years experience assisting organisations to implement a range of open source learning solutions. His expertise in management and education technology has aided organisations with enhancing their virtual learning environments. VIEW MORE

Paula Hodson

Director of Education and Development, The Insurance Institute of Ireland

Paula Hodson, Director of Education and Development at the Insurance Institute of Ireland, oversees educational programmes, qualifications, CPD, relationship management, and business development. A Chartered Insurance Institute Fellow with a Master’s in Education and Training and a Professional Cert VIEW MORE

Bertie Kelly

Commercial Director, National College of Ireland

Bertie Kelly worked in hospitality as General Manager of hotels before moving into the National College of Ireland as Commercial Director. VIEW MORE

Emma Leahy

Research Strategy Lead, University of Limerick

Emma Leahy is the Research Strategy Lead at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, with over 15 years of experience in research management and leadership within academia. She has held senior leadership roles, including Vice President and Executive Director at Irish HEIs. VIEW MORE

Donal McAlister

International Affairs Manager, South East technological University

Donal is the International Affairs Manager at South East Technological University, Carlow Campus. Donal has over 20 years experience of working in the field of International Recruitment and Partnership Development. VIEW MORE

Denise McMorrow

STUDENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER / CHAIR OF UNESCO DUBLIN LEARNING CITY, IADT

Denise McMorrow is Head of Student Experience in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology and she is the Co-Chair of UNESCO Dublin Learning City. She has over 25 years’ experience in Education, Access, Inclusion and Diversity. She provides leadership in the integration of the student services fun VIEW MORE

Lisa Moran

-Dean of Graduate Studies and Head of the Graduate School, Technological University of the Shannon

Senior leader in Higher Education with extensive experience internationally and in Ireland and the UK. Exceptionally strong understanding and knowledge of developments and change in HE nationally and internationally. VIEW MORE

Paul Mullally

Director, Education Lighthouse

Paul has been directly involved with student recruitment from a range of different countries and regions, and more recently, he has been an international education consultant and has worked with institutions in Ireland, the UK, the US, Australia, and NZ to help with their internationalisation strate VIEW MORE

Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin

Project Manager - Strategic Business Projects, Atlantic Technological University

Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin has worked in tertiary education, both public and private, for 35 years in the Irish, UK, US, and Swiss education systems, predominantly working in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Education Leadership. VIEW MORE

Liam O'Reilly

Director of IT, University of Limerick

Business and IT Transformation Leader with 28 Years experience at a senior management level in international Business, across multiple industry sectors, private, public and higher education . Held a variety of senior roles including Managing Director, General Manager, CIO, Operations Director. VIEW MORE

Dr. Kushan Rathnasekara

Researcher, University of Kelaniya

Dynamic researcher in Next Gen Education, specializing in Gen Z and Alpha learning styles. A committed Examiner, Panelist, and research supervisor, also an active international journal reviewer, focused on advancing education through an innovative digital pedagogy. VIEW MORE

Yuxin Wang

CEO and Co-Founder, GoMappED

20+ years in business, project management, software engineering, and law. Led EdTech R&D, co-founded GoMappED Limited. VIEW MORE

John Wells

Head of Faculty, South East Technological University

Professor John Wells Head of the Faculty of Health Sciences, (Waterford), SETU. He holds a PhD from King's College London, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a Fellow Ad Eundem of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. VIEW MORE