Yvonne tells us about her role as a Higher Executive Officer with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Where do you work & what is your role?
I am a Higher Executive Officer in the Investment Programme and Outdoor Recreation Unit of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG).
Can you briefly describe what you enjoy most about being a Higher Executive Officer?
I enjoy working collaboratively and being part of a team that can make a meaningful difference in our communities. I value the opportunity to share my experiences, support and encourage others to reach their full potential and promote the importance of health and wellbeing, education and continued personal and professional development. I find it particularly rewarding to encourage people to recognise opportunities for progression and to support them in achieving their goals.
Can you outline your career journey to date?
I commenced my career almost 28 years ago in the Department of Social Welfare in Waterford as a Clerical Officer in the Self-Employment section. I later moved to Social Welfare Sligo, developing strong analytical and decision-making skills as a Decisions Officer in the Widows Section of the pensions office. When the Garda Information Service Office opened in Castlebar, I embraced the opportunity to expand my technical and operational competencies as an Incident Creation Representative. Promotion to Staff Officer brought me to Castlerea Garda Station, where I worked closely with the Superintendent as a District Finance Officer, managing financial oversight for more than 120 personnel. With the centralisation of financial functions across Mayo, Roscommon and Longford, I returned to Castlebar as an Executive Officer contributing my knowledge and experience to a unified regional finance model. I subsequently secured Interdepartmental promotion to Higher Executive Officer and now work in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht delivering leadership, governance and sustained organisational value.
What initially attracted you to your role?
I pursued promotion to Higher Executive Officer in DRCDG because it represented a natural progression into a role where my experience, judgement and commitment to public service could deliver greater strategic value while making a real and meaningful difference to local communities. It offers the opportunity to influence project delivery, strengthen organisational performance and lead the development of staff, ensuring teams are supported to reach their full potential. Stepping into this position allows me to drive outcomes with purpose and bring the full breadth of my professional expertise to a department focused on meaningful, community centred impact.
How would you describe your role day to day?
My day-to-day role as a Higher Executive Officer in DRCDG centres on providing structured leadership, strong governance and operational oversight across the Community Recognition Fund and the Community Centre Investment Fund making a real difference to local communities nationwide. Each day, I coordinate the delivery of departmental priorities ensuring that projects are implemented effectively and that issues requiring follow up are addressed with sound judgement. I lead and support staff, with an open-door policy, developing capability, and fostering a culture of health and wellbeing, training and continuous improvement. I monitor performance, manage risks and oversee compliance to maintain the highest standards of public service. My role is to drive outcomes that strengthen regional development, enhance community impact and support the Department’s mission with professionalism, integrity and strategic focus.
What skills are required for your role?
A Higher Executive Officer must demonstrate strong strategic leadership to drive priorities and align delivery with departmental and national objectives. The role requires impactful staff development, decisive analytical judgement and strong communication excellence. Confident stakeholder engagement and unwavering professional integrity underpin trusted public service leadership.
Have you gained any new skills since starting your career?
I have developed a strong reputation as an effective and respected manager, capable of leading my team with clarity, consistency and a focus on delivery. I provide structured direction, support staff development, and maintain high standards of performance and accountability. My work is consistently clear, accurate, and aligned with departmental policy requirements, ensuring senior leaders are equipped with reliable and well-framed information.
Would you recommend a career in the public service?
Yes, I would recommend a career in the public service. A public service career offers purpose, stability, progression and influence, making it one of the most rewarding, long-term professional paths with leadership path and skill development opportunities.
What are your interests outside of work?
I am deeply committed to community engagement and actively contribute to local initiatives that strengthen social connection and support vulnerable residents. I volunteer with the local Meals on Wheels organisation, where I value the opportunity to meet people, listen to their experiences and provide a reliable service that enhances their wellbeing. I also serve as Chairperson of our local residents’ committee, leading collaborative efforts to improve our area and ensure that community voices are heard.
Outside of my professional and voluntary roles, I prioritise time with my family and friends. Their support and connection ground me, reinforce my values, and motivate my continued commitment to public service and community leadership.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations centre on progressing within the Civil Service to roles where I can lead teams, shape programmes, and contribute to strategic decision-making at a higher level. I aim to build on my experience as a respected manager and my capability in delivering high-quality governance communications, positioning myself in a position where I can influence outcomes, strengthen organisational performance, support national priorities and make a difference. I aspire to serve in positions where my skills in management, communication, and stakeholder engagement can have the greatest impact on the Department, the Civil Service and the communities we support.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I am committed to ensuring that every school nationwide has a clear understanding of the Civil Service, the breadth of training and development available, and the meaningful career pathways it offers. I want students to recognise the Civil Service as a profession where they can grow, lead and make a tangible difference for our country. My aspiration is to promote awareness of the opportunities, the structured progression and the national impact the Civil Service delivers each day. By strengthening this connection with schools, we can inspire the next generation to contribute to Ireland’s future with pride, purpose and ambition.