NMBI appoints Carolyn Donohoe as Chief Executive

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has announced the appointment of Carolyn Donohoe as its new Chief Executive. Ms Donohoe joined the organisation in 2021 as NMBI’s Director of Education, Policy, and Standards, following years of nursing experience in the fields of critical care, nursing education, and management.

She has also worked as a nursing practice development coordinator, and in perioperative services management. She holds postgraduate qualifications in nursing education and business strategy, and her focus is on leadership and regulation for the professions of nursing and midwifery.

Announcing the appointment, NMBI President Dr Louise Kavanagh McBride said: “The Board of NMBI is delighted to announce Carolyn as our permanent Chief Executive. Carolyn brings a wealth of experience in clinical practice, education, and continuous professional development to NMBI.

“Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to protect the public and support nurses and midwives as they perform their vital work. Her expertise and experience of nursing and midwifery regulation, combined with a clear vision for innovation, advancement, and quality, makes her ideally placed to guide NMBI into the future.”

Since joining NMBI, Ms Donohoe has led transformative and important regulatory change, including the modernisation of education site inspections and the publication of updated standards and guidance for nurses and midwives. Most recently, she oversaw the launch of the revised Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives in February 2025.

Ms Donohoe has carried out the functions of the Chief Executive on an interim basis since April 2024 – leading the Registration, Fitness to Practice, and Education and Corporate Services teams to fulfil NMBI’s comprehensive legislative mandate as a professional regulator.

In response to the announcement, Ms Donohoe said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of NMBI and I look forward to working with the Board, our dedicated staff, and key stakeholders. My vision is for NMBI to be an agile regulator, enabling nurses and midwives to deliver safer, trusted, person-centred healthcare through compassionate and digitally enabled regulation.

“My focus remains on empowering nurses and midwives through clear, robust regulatory frameworks that protect the public and advance professional practice. I look forward to building on the progress we have made and leading a future-focused organisation that values integrity, compassion, and collaboration, to serve both the public and the professions.”

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said: “I wish Carolyn Donohoe the very best as she starts her role as Chief Executive of the NMBI. I firmly believe that nursing and midwifery are highly skilled, valued, and meaningful professions within our health service. I have every confidence the NMBI will continue to make a positive and beneficial impact on the Irish healthcare system under her leadership.”

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