Appointments to the governing body of St Mary’s University College Belfast - Pen Pictures

Laura Leonard

Laura Leonard is Belfast City Council’s European and International Relations Manager, based in the Place and Economy Department.

Laura has led Northern Ireland’s only dedicated European and International local government team since it was established in September 2003.

She does not hold any other public appointments.

Christine Magill

Christine has over 15 years’ experience working in a number of senior finance roles across a variety of sectors including financial services and the charitable and social enterprise sector.

She has a BSc in Finance from Queen's University Belfast, a Diploma in Compliance with the Institute of Bankers, a Diploma in IFRS with Chartered Accountants Ireland as well as being a fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Christine is also a Trustee of Age NI (non-remunerated) she does not hold any other public appointments.

Dáithí Murray

Dáithí Murray is Principal of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, County Armagh, having been appointed in December 2023.  Previous to his appointment as Principal, Dáithí was Vice-Principal of the school since 2015.  An Irish-language teacher, Dáithí is also an award-winning broadcaster, presenting ‘Blas’ on BBC Radio Ulster and ‘I Lár an Aonaigh’ for BBC Two NI.   Dáithí previously served as a Director on the Board of the Middletown Centre from Autism between 2020 and 2023.

He does not hold any other public appointments.

Garry Matthewson

Garry was principal of Holy Family Primary and Nursery School, Derry from 1998 until 2024. Prior to that he taught in urban schools in both Belfast and Derry. He has worked as an assessor with CCMS, an associate inspector with the Education and Training Inspectorate as well as being a member on various working groups with the Department of Education, CCMS, the Education Authority and CCEA.

In addition, he holds the position of chairperson of the NI Nurture Group Network, an educational advocacy group for the introduction and expansion of nurture provision in schools in Northern Ireland.

He is also an associate of the Association of Education Advisers and an associate of CCMS.

He has a passionate interest and experience in all aspects of education particularly educational attainment, assessment, nurture, community links and special educational needs provision.

He does not hold any other public appointments.