# Deirdre Mortell

> Deirdre Mortell is the founding CEO of Rethink Ireland, which backs social innovations with cash grants and business supports. Previously co-founder and CEO of The One Foundation, she has also held senior fundraising roles at Oxfam Ireland and Barnardos and helped establish organisations including Women for Election and Uplift. She plans to leave Rethink Ireland at the end of 2026.

- **Role:** Founding Chief Executive Officer at Rethink Ireland
- **Organizations:** Rethink Ireland, The One Foundation, Oxfam Ireland, Barnardos, Women for Election, Uplift, CONNECT, University College Cork, European Venture Philanthropy Association
- **Education:** Bachelor of Commerce, University College Cork, Master’s in Women’s Studies, Trinity College Dublin
- **Known for:** Helped build Rethink Ireland from the ground up., Reported a €129 million fund and 450 supported social innovations in her June 2026 departure announcement., Co-founded and led The One Foundation for ten years.

## Career timeline

- **1984** — Began studying commerce at University College Cork; later served as students’ union Rights Officer and helped found its first LGBT society.
- **1991-1992** — Studied women’s studies at Trinity College Dublin.
- **—** — Led fundraising at Oxfam Ireland and subsequently spent six years as Director of Fundraising, Communications and Advocacy at Barnardos.
- **—** — Co-founded The One Foundation with Declan Ryan and led it for ten years, stewarding €85 million in social impact.
- **2014** — Appointed CEO of the organisation that became Rethink Ireland.
- **2016** — Social Innovation Fund Ireland publicly launched in January with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
- **2020** — Social Innovation Fund Ireland adopted the name Rethink Ireland.
- **2022** — Named April Cork Person of the Month.
- **2024** — Joined UCC’s Entrepreneur in Residence programme.
- **2025** — Won IMAGE PwC Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Charitable Organisation.
- **2026** — Announced a planned departure from Rethink Ireland at the end of 2026.

## Achievements

- Helped build Rethink Ireland from the ground up.
- Reported a €129 million fund and 450 supported social innovations in her June 2026 departure announcement.
- Co-founded and led The One Foundation for ten years.
- IMAGE PwC Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Charitable Organisation, 2025.
- April 2022 Cork Person of the Month.
- Impact Champions award recipient at Impact Week 2022.

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — Announced she will step down as Rethink Ireland CEO at the end of 2026, remaining for the transition.
- **2026-03** — Appeared on Carmichael’s podcast to discuss Rethink Ireland’s community impact.
- **2026-03** — Published the LinkedIn article “We can close the gender wealth gap” on 5 March.
- **2025-04** — Won the IMAGE PwC Social Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Charitable Organisation category.

## Links

- Website: https://rethinkireland.ie/team_profiles/deirdre-mortell/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdremortell/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DeirdreMortell

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/deirdre-mortell
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-25