Michael Collins recently joined the Chicago Irish Immigrant Support as the new Executive Director. Michael was born in Chicago and has spent time studying and living abroad in Ireland and Belgium. Michael has worked for advocacy and nonprofit groups in the past. In 2011, he worked for Ocean Youth Trust Ireland, based out of Belfast, Northern Ireland. While there, he helped bring young people from diverse backgrounds together through sailing and other outdoor activities. Michael returned to Chicago to complete his undergraduate degree in Political Science from St. Xavier University. During the last year of his undergraduate education, he worked as a field organizer for Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth’s campaign for the United States Congress. He left the campaign in September of 2012 to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations from Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. Michael then went on to complete an additional Master’s degree in Public International Law from the University of Kent in Brussels, Belgium. Michael brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong work ethic to the Executive Director post.

 Paul Dowling is the social services coordinator with Chicago Irish Immigrant Support. He attained an undergraduate degree in social science from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Paul spent a number of years working in residential and training services for individuals with developmental disabilities before completing a masters in social work at the national University of Ireland, Galway. He is a licensed social worker in the state of Illinois.