Catherine Boobbyer grew up in a home where both her parents worked with MRA / IofC.  In the 1970s, they moved to Cape Town, where Catherine spent her youth. In those apartheid years, she helped to organise multi-racial youth camps run by IofC. It was through both church and these camps that her Christian faith was nurtured. 

Catherine completed a degree in history at Oxford University and a teaching qualification, later specialising in teaching dyslexic pupils. For over 30 years, Catherine has lived and worked in boarding school environments, in England, South Africa and Ireland, alongside her educator husband. She has a BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and now works with the Chaplaincy and Pastoral care team at one of Dublin’s universities as well as counselling private clients.  

Gerry Doherty is a qualified mechanical engineer and company director, and a lifelong resident of Derry, Northern Ireland. He has over 36 years’ post-qualification experience in industry, and has held commercial managerial roles at board level, specialising in company growth development, acquisitions and divestitures. Gerry has extensive experience in the aerospace, automotive, energy, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. He brings to IofC a deep Christian faith and a passion for producing positive strategic results for companies and charities. He is a dedicated supporter of Derry’s Foyle Hospice.

Professor Brandon Hamber holds the John Hume and Thomas P. O'Neill Chair in Peace at the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) at Ulster University and is a member of the Transitional Justice Institute. He has advised community groups, policy initiatives, and government bodies in Northern Ireland, South Africa, and globally, including the UN. His extensive consulting and research work spans peace and reconciliation efforts in Liberia, Mozambique, Bosnia, Colombia, the Basque Country, and Sierra Leone, among others. His extensive academic and public writing explores the psychological implications of political violence, masculinities, memory, peace technologies, art and transition.

Joi, who lives in Kentucky, USA, brings to the Board a transatlantic perspective and significant expertise in democratic politics. Formerly Executive Director at Louisville Metro Government, she is now pursuing a PhD while serving as a graduate instructor at the University of Louisville. A seasoned leader in government, education, and workforce development, Joi has advanced equity through data-driven strategies, policy reform, and community engagement. She has led multi-million-dollar initiatives, built strategic partnerships, and mobilised over 40,000 residents in anti-racism work. Her deep understanding of the moral and cultural dimensions of race relations informs her service on nonprofit boards and civic commissions, reflecting a strong commitment to youth development, equity, and transformational change. Joi’s faith in Christ is her guiding light, and she serves in her local church as a volunteer in the children’s ministry. 

Michael, who lives in Angers, France, also serves as a board member of the Conseil d’Administration of our French partners, Initiatives et Changements. He has worked professionally for over four decades with an international Catholic charity, Fondacio, in the service of marginalised communities.  This included 5 years in Malaysia and 10 years in the Philippines, as programme manager.  He has also established another charity, Entrepreneurs du Monde which aims to combat poverty through entrepreneurship.  Michael brings to the board expert knowledge of charity governance and financial management and reinforces our link with France and the wider European IofC network.

David brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the technology sector. As the former Chair of IBM UK, and with senior executive roles across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he has developed deep expertise in strategy, business transformation, organisational governance, and building diverse, high-performing teams. His global perspective is shaped by living and working in Australia, China, France, Spain, and the Czech Republic. 

In addition to his professional achievements, David is Chair of Project Kimbo, a Catholic charity dedicated to developing vital facilities and educational opportunities for children in rural Uganda. He also serves on his parish finance committee. 

David is honoured to join the Board of Trustees and is excited to contribute his experience during this period of transformation and growth. He looks forward to working with the charity to advance its Christian purpose in the service of communities in need.