Marlene Kinghan - Head of Communications and Participation
Originally from Ballymena, Marlene finished her school life at the local Grammar School before moving to the University of Ulster Coleraine, to study Education and Media.
In 1982 Marlene became a graduate government management trainee and undertook a number of assignments in the public and private sectors.
She specialized in Public Relations and Communications, holding posts in both local government and more recently as Head of Communications in a large Health and Personal Social Services organisation.
In February 2004 Marlene was appointed as Head of Communications and Participation for the newly established Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, she is responsible for Communications and Participation, one of her key roles will be to develop strategies to encourage children and young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Marlene has recently completed a Post Graduate Advanced Diploma from Leeds University, in Strategic Communications and is a member of the Institute of Public Relations, where she held an officer post for two years.
Marlene is married with two sons. Much of her spare time has involved doing voluntary work for a regional charity and is involved with a number of local groups working with children and young people.