Gillian McKeown

Gillian McKeown has a diverse work experience in fundraising, events management, and marketing. Gillian began their career as an Assistant Events Manager at XL-ents Ltd in 2008. From there, they worked as a Fundraising Events Assistant at Oxfam Ireland in 2009 and as an Events Assistant at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel from 2010 to 2011. Gillian then joined Simon Community NI as a Fundraising Coordinator, where they focused on maximizing income and building relationships with donors and supporters. In 2012, they became a Fundraising Events Officer at Action Cancer before transitioning to SOS Bus NI in 2013 as a Fundraising and Marketing Manager. Gillian worked at Action Cancer again in 2014, but this time as a Corporate Fundraising Officer. Currently, they hold the position of Events & Programme Manager at Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster and is set to become the Chief Executive Officer in 2023.

Gillian McKeown obtained a BA (Hons) degree in Marketing & Management with a 2:1 classification from Newcastle University, where they studied from 2004 to 2007. Prior to that, they attended Down High School from 1997 to 2004, where they completed their A levels in Art, Business Studies, and Geography, achieving grades A, B, and B respectively. Additionally, Gillian participated in a Dressmaking & Tailoring program at Belfast Met, although the specific dates and degree name for this experience are not provided.