Galway City Innovation District has welcomed the appointment of Mary Rodgers as its new CEO after more than four years with the company.
Galway City Innovation District is a non-profit founded in 2015 to encourage start up companies, innovators, and outside investment in Galway City.
Mary Rodgers joined GCID in 2016 as Innovation Community Manager, and during her tenure she has overseen the management and operations of the PorterShed.
The PorterShed is a co-working office space and tech innovation hub, currently based behind Ceannt Station.
Since opening in May 2016 The PorterShed has been home to more than 65 businesses and member companies have raised €36 million in investment funding.
It has also supported the creation of over 750 jobs in the west of Ireland, held over 1,000 events and welcomed more than 11,500 visitors.
Mary has over 20 years experience in key roles as both an Entrepreneur and Executive manager.
Prior to joining GCID Mary ran her own business, Stateside Solutions, helping Irish companies to enter the US market, and before that she was Vice President at Credit Suisse in New York.
On behalf of the Board of GCID, Maurice O’Gorman praised Mary for her passion for economic development and job creation in the region.
“Her openness to partnership and her willingness to provide help, support, and guidance whenever needed, has led to the deepening of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and the success of the PorterShed.”
“Her track record, depth of experience and passion for developing our community makes her the ideal person to lead our expansion.
“The Board of Galway City Innovation District are delighted with Mary’s appointment as CEO – fíor-cheannaireacht.”
Galway City Innovation District is working on a major expansion of its operations this year.
Plans have been submitted to the city council to convert the Connacht Tribune offices on Market Street to new co-working offices, which will provide an additional 220 desk spaces.
Additional plans are in the works to convert a nearby building on Bowling Green, which will take over for the current Portershed, offering even more space for the facility which is already at capacity.
