Staff of Wicklow LEO

Vibeke Delahunt - Head of Enterprise

vdelahunt@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Having been part of the Economic Development Team of Wicklow County Council since 1999 Vibeke joined the LEO in 2014 as Senior Enterprise Development Officer and took up the position as Head of Enterprise in 2019. Originally from The Netherlands, Vibeke settled in County Wicklow in 1997 after graduating with an MA in Arts and Heritage Management from Utrecht University and UCC. Following two years as Marketing Manager with Wicklow County Tourism, Vibeke took up the role of Film Commissioner with Wicklow County Council in 1999, in charge of developing the film potential of County Wicklow as a film location and for film tourism. Vibeke manages the delivery of state supports to micro-enterprises through the Local Enterprise Office. Through experience, Vibeke has built up a strong background in strategic planning and project management.

Louise Fleming - Senior Enterprise Development Officer

lfleming@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Louise has been with Local Enterprise Office Wicklow since 2004. Having grown up in the Bray area, Louise brings with her a keen understanding of the local economic and social context in which LEO Wicklow operates. Coming from the private sector where she worked extensively with small businesses in training and business development, Louise is responsible for providing business advice, funding advice and supports to new and established businesses in the tech, audiovisual, engineering and craft sectors. She is also the first point of contact for clients applying to Microfinance Ireland (a LEO Wicklow Partner), and for the Owner Manager Development Programme and the LEAN Programme. Louise holds a BA Hons in Economics and German from UCD and a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business.

John Powderly - Senior Enterprise Development Officer / Film Commissioner / Wicklow County Campus Manager

jpowderly@wicklowcoco.ie

Michelle Hegarty - Business Advisor

mhegarty@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Michelle has joined the Local Enterprise Office as a Business Advisor and brings with her an array of experience from sectors such as Life Sciences , Food and Drink, Manufacturing and most recently in Exporting. Coming from the private sector Michelle has worked extensively with Micro and SMEs through relationship management to assist and help them develop their business locally but also overseas. Michelle can offer business and funding advice along with supports in all manufacturing , marine, environment and internationally traded service sectors. She is the first point of contact for clients applying for the Export Development Programme, Digital programme and the EEN meet the buyer series of events.

Michelle holds a Marketing and Business degree and a Certificate in International Trade.

Fergal O’Connor - Business Advisor

feoconnor@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Fergal joined the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow as a Business Advisor, bringing over 15 years of experience in the Wealth Management and Fund Services sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with clients to understand their needs, delivering high-quality service and tailored solutions.

Fergal also brings strong experience in people management and operational efficiency. He has a keen interest in streamlining processes and enhancing service delivery, and is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and opportunities as they grow.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (Economics and Finance) from Waterford Institute of Technology.

Carol Kinsella - Assistant Staff Officer

ckinsella@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Carol is our Financial Administrator and looks after grant claims made by clients, budgeting, supplier payments and central government reporting.

Usman Shahid - Economic Enterprise & Business Development Advisor - Graduate

ushahid@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Usman Shahid joined the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow with a strong background in finance, consultancy, and enterprise development bringing both an international perspective and a deep interest in supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.

In his role, Usman supports the Business Advisor in assisting local entrepreneurs and SMEs with funding applications, including Digital for Business, Green for Business, Feasibility, and Business Expansion grants. He also assists in the coordination of training panels and contributes to the organisation and delivery of key local events such as the Student Enterprise Awards, National Ploughing Championships, and Lean Breakfast series.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in Management Consultancy from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School as well as a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA). He is passionate about supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth across County Wicklow.

Sophie Porter - Clerical Officer

sporter@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Sophie is one of our clerical officers. She supports businesses and entrepreneurs through efficient administration, customer service and coordination of available supports and services within County Wicklow.

Adrian McLaughlin - Clerical Officer

amclaughlin@leo.wicklowcoco.ie

Adrian has recently joined the Local Enterprise Office after working 17 years in the manufacturing sector in numerous roles. He holds a Computer Science BSc(Hon) degree from UCD

Wicklow