Ruth Allen takes the helm at Friends of St. Luke's

In a significant development in the Irish Charity sector, Ruth Allen, the accomplished Head of Development and Communications at Childvision, has bid farewell to her role to take on the mantle of Executive Director at Friends of St. Luke's. This move marks a new chapter in Ruth's illustrious career, adding another layer to her already impressive 20+ years of experience in leadership roles spanning fundraising, communications, strategy, ideation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

In 2012, Ruth embarked on her charity sector career by joining Childvision, leaving an indelible mark on the organisation's growth and development. Before her time at Childvision, Ruth had gained valuable experience through roles at Carr Communications and as a founding member and account director at the Communications Clinic.

One of Ruth's significant strengths lies in her ability to lead the development of innovative income generation streams. Her efforts have consistently translated into the growth of profitability and the introduction of enterprising initiatives that secure greater investment in social capital, particularly in the realm of low vision and disability. Ruth has been a trailblazer, navigating the intersection of fundraising, communications, and advocacy to engage diverse stakeholders, from the public to corporate, media to government.

During her final week at Childvision, Ruth shared a poignant moment with a corporate partner of eight years in Orlando, where she spoke at Transitions Academy '24 for Essilor Luxottica. Sharing her keynote session with Serge Picaud, the Director of the Vision Institute, Paris, and Dr Brian O’Neill, Global VP Innovation Technology Operations, Transitions, she addressed the impact of photochromic lens technology on individuals with visual impairments. The event highlighted Ruth's commitment to driving innovation and creating lasting partnerships.

Now, Ruth Allen is set to bring her wealth of experience and leadership to Friends of St. Luke's. Established in 1981, Friends of St. Luke's has played a pivotal role in providing funding and support for the care, cure, and comfort of patients at St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network Dublin, as well as supporting clinical research at the St. Luke's Institute of Cancer Research.

The organisation's mission is clear - to ensure that cancer patients have access to the latest advancements in treatment techniques and equipment. This commitment aligns seamlessly with Ruth's dedication to making a positive impact on healthcare. The St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network, with three cancer treatment centers in Dublin, reflects the organisations commitment to delivering sophisticated and successful cancer treatment while prioritizing the best possible patient experience.

As Ruth takes on her new role at Friends of St. Luke's, we at Charities Institute Ireland extend our best wishes.