Meet our team
The people helping shape the future of Donegall Pass.
Our staff and Board members bring together experience from community development, regeneration, governance, housing, finance, business, culture, education and public life. Together they support DPCE's work to strengthen community life, celebrate local identity and create opportunities for future generations.
Our Staff
A small team with a shared commitment to strengthening Donegall Pass through community development, heritage, regeneration and partnership working.
Working closely with residents, stakeholders and partner organisations, our staff lead the day-to-day delivery of projects, programmes and long-term initiatives that support the community's future.
Shane joined DPCE in February 2026 as their Director of Operations. He is a third sector organisational leader with over 25 years’ experience in community development, good relations, organisational growth and programme delivery across politically complex areas.
His track record includes leading transformation, driving strategic developments and delivering outcomes that strengthen communities and organisational capacity.
A graduate of Ulster Universities School of Art, he is married to Natalie and together they are raising their daughters Aoibh and Mae in East Belfast. He is a lifelong supporter of Manchester City FC.
Katharine joined DPCE in November 2025 as Culture & Heritage Officer.
With a background in arts engagement, project management and facilitation, she has delivered award-winning outreach programmes, community projects and creative initiatives with diverse audiences across Northern Ireland.
At DPCE, Katharine leads culture and heritage activity that explores identity, place, memory and belonging. Through storytelling, exhibitions, workshops and creative engagement, she works alongside communities to celebrate local heritage and ensure that the evolving story of Donegall Pass is captured and shared.
The Board
Our Board members provide governance, oversight and strategic leadership for the organisation.
Together they bring expertise from community development, housing, regeneration, business, education, planning, communications and public life, helping ensure that DPCE remains accountable, sustainable and responsive to the needs of the community.
Dr Roger Courtney MBE was founder of Crescent Arts Centre and the CEO of the Simon Community NI for 17 years. He was co-founder of the NI Council for the Homeless (now Homeless Connect). For the past 25 years he has been working as a freelance trainer and advisor to a wide range of charities in Northern Ireland. He has published over a dozen books on third sector strategic planning, governance, fundraising, leadership, and impact measurement.
McAllister (née Watson) was born on Rainey Street and has spent most of her life in Donegall Pass. Her lifelong connection to the area has inspired a deep commitment to supporting local people and strengthening the community.
Anne recently retired as Tenant Engagement Officer with Choice Housing Association, where she encouraged community participation, promoted inclusion and ensured tenants had a voice in shaping thriving neighbourhoods.
Alongside her professional career, Anne has been actively involved in voluntary and community work in Donegall Pass for more than 40 years. Her extensive experience, enduring passion for community development and genuine dedication to the area make her a valued advocate for Donegall Pass and its residents.
Aubrey has over 25 years’ senior leadership experience across the public and private sectors, with particular expertise in governance, regulatory compliance and organisational performance. He is currently Head of Corporate Services at the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, where he leads on financial planning, risk management, assurance and Board support. His earlier career spans roles with the Information Commissioner’s Office, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and local government, covering policy development, statutory guidance, investigations and service improvement. Aubrey brings strong analytical capability, strategic oversight and a people-focused leadership approach to DPCE’s governance and development.
Ross is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Internal Auditor with over 20 years’ experience in audit, risk and corporate governance. He is currently Senior Manager, Group Internal Audit at A&O Shearman, where he leads the delivery of risk-based internal audit services and reports directly to Audit Committees. His career includes senior roles with Deloitte, EY and BDO across Belfast, Dublin and the Middle East. Ross brings significant expertise in financial oversight, internal controls, cyber security and governance frameworks. A former Chair of the Institute of Internal Auditors (UK and Ireland) Irish Committee, he offers DPCE strong assurance, risk management and strategic governance capability.
Chris is an IT professional with more than 25 years’ international experience, having worked with major organisations including Hewlett-Packard, Allen & Overy, Vodafone and the UK Cabinet Office. He combines strong technical, leadership and project-management skills with significant community engagement experience gained through pastoral and intercultural work in Belfast since 2006. He serves as the lead pastor of PVN Belfast, a vibrant multinational church. Chris strengthens DPCE’s digital capability, strategic planning and cross-community relationship-building.
Brian is a restorative practitioner supporting vulnerable individuals across Northern Ireland through his work with South Belfast Alternatives. He leads programmes that build relationships, repair harm and strengthen community, including the PACE project, which combines marathon training with restorative circles to foster good relations. Known for his resilience as a triathlete, Brian brings the same discipline to empowering people, helping them challenge limiting stories, rebuild confidence and create supportive structures that enable real change.
Ernie brings over 35 years’ experience in construction, engineering and major capital project delivery across the UK, Middle East and Asia. He has held senior commercial and contracts management roles on large-scale infrastructure and building projects, with particular expertise in contract law, risk management, dispute resolution and strategic project oversight. In addition to his extensive professional career, Ernie is a highly respected community activist within the Donegall Pass area of Belfast. He combines strong commercial acumen with deep local knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, strengthening the Board’s capacity in project governance, capital development and community engagement.
Cyril has had a career spanning over 30 years with experience in Community Development, Business Planning and Politics. The skills he has acquired over this period positions him well to guide the company in delivering on its vision of developing a prosperous Donegall Pass for all.
Gerry was employed by BT Ireland for 38 years before early retirement. Post retirement Gerry fulfilled various community development roles including oversight of a £3m cross community initiative.
He volunteers within the GAA and is a qualified counsellor and experienced tour guide.
Dr Ken Sterrett was a Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning & Design at Queen’s University for over 20 years. During this time he developed an ongoing working relationship with the Donegall Pass community. Ken is an ‘expert advisor’ to the Ministerial Advisory Group on Architecture & the Built Environment and is a Board member and former Chair of Seacourt Print Workshop.
Jonny Scott Taylor is the co owner of the local catering business, Flour Power, situated on the Pass. He brings a wealth of business acumen and entrepreneurial experience to the Board.