CyberSafeKids appoint new Chair

John Fitzsimons, Chair, CyberSafeKids

We are delighted to announce the appointment of John Fitzsimons as the new Chair of the board of directors of CyberSafeKids. John is a self-employed business coach, consultant, and teaches in UCD Smurfit and DCU Business Schools. Previously, John was CEO of Camara Education, a social enterprise that uses technology to deliver 21st century skills and improve education in disadvantaged communities around the world.

John has split his career working between the commercial and charity sectors in Ireland, the UK and Africa. He has a Degree in Electronic Engineering from University College Dublin (UCD), an MBA from UCD Smurfit School of Business and a Diploma in Advanced Coaching from UCD Smurfit School.

Speaking about his appointment, Alex Cooney, CEO & Co-Founder, CyberSafeKids said; “​​We are thrilled to welcome John as the new Chair of CyberSafeKids. A valued board member of CyberSafeKids since March 2016, John has a thorough understanding of what our charity is all about and how we want to make a positive difference to the lives of children online. He will continue to impart a wealth of knowledge from his own experience. We look forward to John’s guidance in helping us to deliver our 2022-2025 Strategy.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chair, Avril Ronan, Global Programme Manager, Trend Micro for all her hard work, commitment and dedication to CyberSafeKids since 2015. We are grateful that Avril has agreed to stay on the board for an additional year.”

John Fitzsimons, incoming Chair, CyberSafeKids added, “It is a pleasure and a privilege to have been elected chair of the board of directors of CyberSafeKids. CyberSafeKids is a fierce advocate for children’s online safety, which aligns with my own belief that each and every child in Ireland, and globally, should have the right to a safe online environment. As an online safety charity, they equip children, and those with a duty of care for them, with the skills needed to navigate the online world in a safe and responsible manner, whilst making the case for stronger regulation and investment in digital literacy by the Government.

With the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) bill currently going through the Dáil, it’s past time Ireland stepped up to safeguard children’s online safety at present and in the future. We cannot afford to waste any more time on such a critical issue.”