New CEO appointed at Mourne Heritage Trust

New CEO appointed at Mourne Heritage Trust

3 September 2025

THE Mourne Heritage Trust has appointed a new chief executive.

Nigel McKinney succeeds Martin Carey, who has held the role since 2006.

Mr McKinney has extensive experience in the community and voluntary sector having spent more than 30 years to date working for community organisations across Northern Ireland.

A native of Enniskillen, he and his family have been living in the Mournes for more than 20 years.

With an academic background in environmental sciences, he has most recently has been working as an independent consultant.

He has undertaken assignments for environmental organisations, including NI Environment Link and Landscapes NI, as well as for a wide range of charities and other not for profit bodies, including the County Down Rural Community Network. 

Nigel has been very active within the local community and is a founding member of the Dolmens Climate Action Network.

He enjoys walking, cycling and running in the Mournes and has completed GeoAmbassador training.

Mr McKinney said: “I am delighted, privileged and excited to be joining the Mourne Heritage Trust team as the new CEO.

“I’ve been aware of the vital work of the team for many years and their important collaborations with others, along with the increasing challenges that the landscape, people and places across the AONB [Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty] face.

“I am looking forward to engaging, working with and learning from staff, board and partners alike and making a positive contribution in the coming years.”

Outgoing CEO Martin Carey, who will work with his successor for a number of weeks during the handover period, said “I wish Nigel all the very best in what is at times a challenging, but always interesting and rewarding, role.

“He will find a very experienced and committed staff team as well as engaged and passionate stakeholders and partner organisations.

“I am confident all will lend him similar help and support to that which I have been grateful for in my two decades of caring for Mourne.”

Welcoming the appointment, Trust chairman David Maginn said: ‘After an exhaustive recruitment process, I have no doubt Nigel will bring considerable commitment and energy to Mourne Heritage Trust, as well as a wealth of relevant experience.

“I look forward to working with him to meet the growing challenges and opportunities related to the landscape of the Mourne AONB in this new era for our charity.”