ICOS bids a fond farewell to Director Sheila Power and welcomes new Executive Director, Sarah Lennon

After 14 years at the helm, we bid a fond farewell to Sheila Power who retires today from ICOS. Sheila joined ICOS in 2005 (her second stint with ICOS) and has been a formidable champion for the rights of international students. Sheila has led the organisation through good times and more difficult times, with her skilful navigation of the financial downturn ensuring that ICOS emerged stronger than ever.  

Before her time with ICOS, Sheila lived, worked and volunteered in Cameroon, Poland, the Republic of Georgia and Oman. Sheila has a long track record in education and training and has long held a special interest in international communications. 

With ICOS, Sheila was at the forefront of campaigns surrounding the health and welfare of international students and she ensured that the voices of international students were heard during the many school closures that happened in recent years.  

Sheila’s retirement comes at a fitting juncture, with the recent passing of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, which introduces the International Education Mark, something that Sheila has actively pursued throughout her entire time at ICOS.  

Everyone at ICOS will miss Sheila and we wish her a very happy retirement.    

Following in Sheila’s footsteps, we welcome the appointment of Sarah Lennon who will replace Sheila as Executive Director. Sarah comes with a strong NGO background having worked for Inclusion Ireland for over 13 years in a variety of roles including training, development, advocacy, communications and most recently as interim CEO.   

Sarah has worked and volunteered on multiple advocacy campaigns addressing inequality and poverty and is looking forward to working with ICOS to promote the rights of international students in Ireland.