Maura is Chief Executive Officer of Leave No Trace Ireland, the outdoor ethics organisation that promotes greater awareness of responsible outdoor activities and the protection of outdoor spaces and our natural environment. Leave No Trace works extensively with its partners across government departments, tourism, recreation, sports and countryside organisations to develop programmes that encourage enjoyment and responsible use of outdoor spaces.
Prior to joining Leave No Trace Ireland, Maura worked overseas for Enterprise Ireland within the Digital and Environmental sector supporting Irish high potential start-up companies to grow in Northern European markets. She also worked with Fáilte Ireland assisting in the development of Ireland’s first Coastal Blueway recreational trails. Maura has received awards for innovation at the ‘UCC Entrepreneur Awards’ as well by her volunteer efforts as “Volunteer Citizen of the Year” by the President of Ireland.
Maura is an experienced Outdoor Guide and a Leave No Trace Advanced Trainer and holds senior outdoor qualifications and is experienced in white-water kayaking, canoeing, snorkelling, power boating, sailing, life-guarding, surfing, climbing and mountaineering. She has also completed a trans-Atlantic voyage from the Caribbean to the Azores. Maura holds an Honours BSc in Science from University College Cork, and an MSc in Public Affairs and a BSc in Psychology. She is currently undertaking a part time PhD with the NUIG School of Natural Sciences on stakeholder engagement in conservation and outdoor recreation.