SEI is delighted to announce that one of Ireland’s leading social entrepreneurs, Adam Harris, will be joining SEI as CEO to chart a new future for Social Entrepreneurs and our organisation.
Adam is the founder of the successful and ground-breaking organisation, AsIAm. In many ways Adam is returning to his roots given that his own leadership journey started through support from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
What has always set Social Entrepreneurs Ireland apart is our focus on the person behind the idea. We have been steadfast in this belief throughout our evolution over the last 20 years, and it remains core to everything we do. We believe that when exceptional leaders are given the right support, networks and opportunities, they create transformational impact in communities across Ireland and beyond.
The impact of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is measured not only in the solutions we have supported, but in the leaders who have gone on to shape organisations, influence policy, strengthen communities and improve lives. That is why we believe the appointment of Adam Harris as CEO represents a pivotal moment in our evolution.
For the Board, there could be no stronger demonstration of our mission in action. Adam’s journey reflects the transformative power of backing the people with the vision and determination to create social change, and we are delighted to welcome him back to lead Social Entrepreneurs Ireland to shape its next chapter.
Speaking on his appointment Adam said:
“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Chief Executive Officer. I know first-hand the transformational work of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland – an organisation that backed my vision for a more inclusive Ireland for Autistic people when I was just 19 years old. SEI supported us to spark and scale our impact over the past 12 years, to the nationwide charity that it is today. It is now a great honour to have an opportunity to give back to this organisation and community and lead it into its next chapter.
Ireland is a very different country, in a very different world, to the one in which Social Entrepreneurs Ireland was established in 2004. Our country is going through a period of major change and transition – this change brings big opportunities to create a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable society but these opportunities can only be achieved through identifying and supporting leaders with ideas and drive to realise them.
As a Social Entrepreneur, I am excited to work with the organisation to build a social-entrepreneur led response to supporting and sustaining social impact – finding new ways of collaborating, new technology and a needs-led approach to supporting and scaling the work of social entrepreneurs across Ireland.”
Under Adam’s expert leadership we look forward to exploring new pathways and a renewed model for Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, which will enable transformative social impact into the future.
As is the case for many organisations, the current landscape has brought and continues to bring significant challenges to our door. SEI could not have navigated the challenges of the past two years without the commitment, professionalism and resilience of the team. It is also clear the senior team have played a critical role in stabilising the organisation and creating the foundations for its future development. The Board would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the team to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and to the social entrepreneurs that make up our community.
A sincere thank you is due to each member of the team for all their work and achievements during this period. SEI could not have made it through the past two years without all of their contributions and they must take the credit for ensuring that SEI will continue into a new phase. The senior team in particular deserve credit and recognition for their leadership.
We only exist because of the generosity of our loyal supporters and funders. Thank you for your continued belief and support for SEI and all the social entrepreneurs that benefit as a result.
Adam will officially take up his position as CEO later this year.
