Laura Hurley Appointed As Chief Advancement Officer

Laura Hurley of Longmeadow has been appointed to serve as Chief Advancement Officer at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England.

Hurley, who has strong ties to the area and who has worked in several capacities strengthening non-profit groups and organizations, will help steer the ICC towards expansion on all levels, including patronage, events, travel, and fundraising.

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane welcomed Hurley aboard the organization that promotes Irish culture and heritage throughout Western New England.

“We are thrilled to have Laura Hurley working with us to further our mission and to keep us viable for the future, for many years to come,” Cahillane said. “She’s a perfect fit for our organization in all ways.”

“Already, she is enthusiastic and energized to successfully promote the ICC. We’re looking forward to a great 2021,” he said.

This position is funded by a grant from the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, coming from Dublin to the ICC via the Boston Irish Consul General’s Office under the direction of Consul General Laoise Moore and Vice Consul General Shane Caffrey.

Cahillane thanked the Irish government for the continuation of this grant, now in its fourth year.

“This grant is an integral part of our success here in West Springfield, and we appreciate it very much,” he said.

Hurley said she is ready to go in helping to guide the organization toward sustained growth, even with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am happy to be a part of this organization, and I look forward to helping steer it forward to greater growth and success,” she said. “I feel I am where I belong.”

In her new role, Hurley will have a particular focus on increasing the number of ICC Patrons and identifying and working with new donors. She will help to expand the projects that the ICC has been working to grow in its 22 years of existence.

Hurley has lived in the area for over 45 years and is vested in the region as well as in her Irish heritage.

She comes to the ICC with over 25 years of development and grant writing experience. Her professional experience includes time at Partners for a Healthier Community, and as a consultant in elder care and estate management.

She also brings to the table years of experience in strategic planning and facilitative leadership.

Hurley’s background in development and grant writing will be a great asset to the ICC, to increase the financial sustainability and growth of the ICC. She will focus on development of the ICC throughout Western New England and promote success and stability for generations to come.

She is second-generation Irish who loves to hike and travel and is known to have made many stops in Ireland. She has one son.

The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England. The mission of the Irish Cultural Center is to cultivate a connection with Ireland, through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage. The Center, located at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.