Julie Tonge Appointed Incoming Chairperson of AHEAD
Dara Ryder statement:
On behalf of all of the staff and members of AHEAD, I am delighted to welcome Julie Tonge as our new chair.
Julie brings an incredible wealth of experience in the provision of Disability Support Services in tertiary education and in applying universal design in campus environments. Her contributions at the national level as a previous chair of the Disability Advisors Working Network (DAWN), and her contributions to a broad range of important policy groups in the inclusion space will be valuable for AHEAD to draw from. I look forward to working under her strategic direction in the years ahead.
As Prof. Michael Shevlin passes on the mantle of chair after a long period of stellar service, I would like to express my sincere thanks for all he has given to AHEAD. He has overseen significant development in AHEAD as an organisation, and more generally, he has been instrumental in advancing the access and inclusion agenda during the period.
On a personal level, I would like to thank Michael for both challenging me and supporting me, especially during my early period as CEO which coincided with the arrival of Covid-19. I will always be thankful for his mentorship.
Yours Sincerely,
Dara Ryder
Julie Tonge's Statement:
I am delighted to be appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors and to succeed Professor Michael Shevlin, whose exceptional leadership and dedication have significantly contributed to AHEAD’s many achievements.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Shevlin for his unwavering commitment, encouragement, and enthusiasm in advancing AHEAD’s vital work. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping inclusive and empowering environments for disabled people in tertiary education and employment.
Since moving to Dublin in 2008, I have worked closely with AHEAD and have witnessed firsthand the incredible support they provide to the Higher Education sector, as well as to students and graduates navigating their educational and professional journeys. I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to supporting AHEAD in achieving the objectives set out in its Strategic Plan, ensuring continued progress in working towards an equitable society.
Yours Sincerely,
Julie Tonge
Michael Shevlin's Statement:
I have been very privileged to Chair the Board of AHEAD over the last decade. I have witnessed the development of AHEAD in leading and shaping policy and practice relating to disabled students/graduates in tertiary education and employment. This groundbreaking development has been very effectively led by the current and former CEO’s Dara Ryder and Ann Heelan. It has been my pleasure to work with the AHEAD Board who have always provided constructive advice and support for AHEAD’s engagement with partners across tertiary education and employment. AHEAD staff have always been supportive and helpful in all their interactions with me and demonstrated their strong commitment to working towards the establishment of equitable environments for disabled people.
I am delighted that Julie Tonge will succeed me as Chair. Julie has all the qualities required to lead AHEAD and has been a committed and insightful Board member for many years.
I will miss everyone in AHEAD who have made my time as Chair very enjoyable and stimulating. Every best wish for all that AHEAD tackles in the future and I am certain that AHEAD will continue to be at the cutting edge of policy and practice in creating inclusive environments within tertiary education and employment for disabled people.
Yours Sincerely,
Michael Shevlin