Our Team

John Devitt, Chief Executive, Transparency International Ireland

John founded TI Ireland in 2004 and has led TI Ireland’s whistleblowing research and support programme for the past ten years. He is author or researcher on numerous reports and guidance on the topic of whistleblower protection, ethics and anti-corruption standards, and has advised the Irish Government, United Nations, Council of Europe, and European Commission amongst others on whistleblowing legislation and procedures. An ethics and communications specialist by training, John holds a first-class MA in Ethics from Dublin City University, is a graduate of the University of Limerick and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland.

Kate O'Hara, Integrity at Work Programme Manager

Kate is the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme Manager, using her extensive experience building and strengthening relationships to support current and prospective IAW members. Before coming to TI, Kate spent several years working for the Four Freedoms Fund at NEO Philanthropy in New York. There, she managed incoming and outgoing grants; team operations; project budgets; and internal and external events. Most recently Kate worked as the Major Donors Officer at Pieta helping with high-value fundraising and donor relations. Kate holds a Master’s in Theory and Practice of Human Rights from the University of Essex and a Bachelor’s in International Relations and International Development from Clark University.

Ida nOwers, Knowledge and Policy Manager

Ida oversees the development of TI Ireland’s whistleblowing resources, including the Integrity at Work programme tools and guidance. Ida is a recognised specialist on whistleblower protection law and policy. She was previously global coordinator at the Whistleblowing International Network where she continues to manage the EU Whistleblowing Monitor project. Ida has several years’ experience working directly with whistleblowers as a senior advisor on the UK whistleblowing charity Protect's advice line, as well as providing support and consultancy to employers on implementing whistleblowing management systems. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. 

James mulcahy symmons, Advocacy and Communications Executive

James is a public policy and communications specialist. He holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Undergraduate in Philosophy and Politics from University College Dublin. He has worked across a range of sectors including non-profit organisations, research institutes and public affairs consultancy. James supports TI Ireland’s advocacy and communications efforts for its core programmes including event management and stakeholder relations. James also supports the coordination of the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme.