Kate McAney

Background

About Kate McAney

I have over 25 years' experience working in Ireland in the conservation and research of Irish mammals. A major part of all this work is a high level of Project Management, effective Communication and the ability to Influence and Manage relationships with all stakeholders. These skills are relevant across all sectors, and I am passionate about delivering work and projects to the highest standard. Strategic in my approach, I’m also an experienced educator and adept at public engagement and partnership building. Within my work over the years I have also recognised the importance of managing conflict to reduce the impact on all parties (including wildlife), and this experience has helped me bring conservation projects to successful outcomes. I moved away from primarily delivering projects in the field to developing these projects and looking for funding opportunities. Any project, regardless of its size, involves carefully identifying the people and processes that will deliver it and the risks that need to be reduced to maximise success, and I keep this in mind for all my projects. I believe that no matter what job is to hand, be it painting a room or trying to save a species from extinction, the key to success lies in the level of planning beforehand and the constant evaluation of progress until the project has run its course, followed by asking the question ‘Could it have been done better? A major element of my work on bats in the 1990s was creating an awareness about this much maligned and misunderstood group of mammals. Although responding to queries from the public is not part of my current job, I receive the occasional call and I still derive satisfaction from persuading a house holder that the bats in their attic have no desire or intention to cause harm and that they fulfil an important role in controlling insects. In most cases people will accept advice based on evidence, but listening to their concerns is an important part of communication. Natural Heritage & Biodiversity Conservation & Habitats Fundraising & Communications Conferences & Seminars Risk Management Business Management Project Management Change Management