Board of Directors
David Lawlor
Founder & Team Lead
When he’s not wearing a suit, you’ll find David hiking our hills, sailing our seas or scuba diving our chilly waters. In short, he has a lifelong relationship with nature and it’s this passion that has shaped his leadership and vision for meaningful, science-led climate action at the Green Ocean Foundation. David insists that all projects must be grounded in science-based evidence, backed by credible research, use measurable methodologies and offer transparent reporting to deliver real and verifiable climate and biodiversity impact.
Colm Kelly
Independent Chair
Colm discovered Green Ocean in 2023 through its early oyster restoration work. At the time, the organisation was little more than an idea and a handful of pilot oyster baskets but he immediately recognised its potential to drive real environmental impact through community action. As Chair, Colm brings strategic direction and momentum as Green Ocean works to restore life to Ireland’s seas. He is known for his clear thinking, systems perspective, and focus on practical, long-term solutions.
Colm is a lifelong sailor with a deep connection to Ireland’s coastline and spends much of his time in West Cork.
Jim Breslin
Non-Executive Director
The Team
Marguerite Lawlor
Finance & Admin Lead
Marguerite is a warm-water scuba diving enthusiast (and yes, it has to be warm!) and a self-declared fair-weather sailor — but when it comes to protecting Green Ocean’s oysters she’s more than willing to cast aside her needs for creature comforts to endure brisk days on the Irish Sea. Marguerite also loves discovering new hiking trails — whether close to home or further afield.
Andrew Collins
Operations Lead
Andrew Collins is Green Ocean Foundation’s Operations Lead and one of the people who helps keep our projects running safely and smoothly on the water.
A Yachtmaster, PADI-certified diver and volunteer Launch Authority with the RNLI, Andrew brings a wealth of maritime experience to the team. Whether he is driving a RIB, planning a volunteer day or keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, the Green Ocean team knows they are in safe hands.
Andrew has spent more than 40 years sailing the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans and has witnessed first-hand the dramatic changes taking place in our marine environment, including the significant reduction in Arctic sea ice over that time. These experiences have strengthened his passion for protecting and restoring the natural world.
He relishes the opportunity to contribute to practical environmental action and is proud to play a role in helping bring life back to Ireland’s seas.
He is also widely recognised within Green Ocean for his expertise in selecting the perfect biscuit to accompany a cup of tea — making him not only an exceptional seafarer, but also an invaluable member of the team.
Aoibheann Boyle
Communications & Impact Lead
Aoibheann Boyle leads Communications and Impact at Green Ocean Foundation, helping to connect people with the growing movement to restore Ireland’s marine environment.
Joining Green Ocean in 2026 as the organisation’s first employee, Aoibheann was drawn by the opportunity to combine her love of nature, community and positive environmental action in a role with genuine purpose and impact. For her, Green Ocean represents something rare — the chance to help create meaningful change while inspiring others to become part of it.
With a background in sustainability, tourism and community engagement, Aoibheann has spent her career helping people and organisations create positive environmental change. She holds an MSc in Tourism Management, with a First Class Honours for her thesis on responsible tourist behaviour, and is an accredited Leave No Trace Trainer.
Known affectionately as the “Oyster Mammy”, Aoibheann brings enthusiasm, creativity and positivity to everything she does. She is deeply passionate about Ireland’s natural environment, culture and language, and believes strongly in the power of communities to create positive change when they come together around a shared purpose.
Authentic, energetic and endlessly generous with her time, Aoibheann is passionate about helping people reconnect with nature and discover that they can make a difference. Through her work at Green Ocean, she is helping build a movement of people who believe that Ireland’s seas can recover.
Roisin Finlay
Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising Lead
Roisin Finlay is a lover of nature and a big believer that with a little bit of help from mankind, nature will provide the most effective and satisfactory solutions when it comes to the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. This is why she jumped at the chance to join the leadership team at Green Ocean Foundation. Not only does this mean that she gets to enjoy spins around lovely Dublin Bay in a RIB but she gets to protect basket loads of oysters which are climate and biodiversity heroes. AND they clean her bathing water so it’s the least she can do.
Roisin’s love affair with nature truly started when she took over Outsider Magazine 20 years ago. She got to hike, bike and surf (badly) around this gorgeous island. This led to her working in sustainable tourism and undertaking the Certificate in Nature Conservation and Interpretation with MTU and Leave No Trace. Now she truly understands how dire the climate and biodiversity crisis are – but also that great solutions can come from small communities and projects. So Roisin is thrilled to join Green Ocean Foundation to be part of that grassroots movement for change.
Noelle Ameijenda
Malahide Lead
Noelle Ameijenda is passionate about Climate Action. She has planted many, many trees in recent years, and now she’s expanding her actions underwater with Green Ocean Foundation as Malahide Lead.
As a regular swimmer and former Sea Scout leader, Noelle knows firsthand about the poor state of our seas. She believes that the science-driven ethos of Green Ocean has huge potential to improve the biodiversity of our coastal ecosystems.
Working in the energy sector, Noelle’s background is in science and engineering, and she is always keen to promote sustainability and renewable sources
of energy.
Dan Lazell
Ecologist
In his current role, Dan coordinates complex renewable energy projects, overseeing delivery, quality, and client advisory on offshore licensing and permitting. He has led large-scale baseline surveys and monitoring programmes, working closely with developers, regulators, and stakeholders to deliver practical, science-led outcomes.
Having worked in remote and often challenging marine environments, Dan has developed a strong connection to the ocean both professionally and personally.
A qualified Dive Master, he brings a hands-on perspective to his work and a particular interest in how strong team dynamics and clear communication underpin successful projects.