Hi, I’m Shane. I shape and share stories about people and places.

I believe good places are built on good stories. Stories help us connect, understand, and build better. My work is all about putting people at the heart of place - making sure what matters to them helps shape where they live, work, and play.

How? I mix strategy and storytelling with public engagement, policy work, event design, governance, and, when needed, number crunching. I believe in civic duty. I care about doing things properly.

By day, I’m Development Director of Belfast Buildings Trust, leading its growth and direction. On the side, I curate the Academy of Urbanism Congress, a place-learning event held each time in a different European city, and lead a Bursary supporting innovation and professional development in policing.

I’ve helped programme international events, engage communities in city-wide cultural projects, and shape policy around heritage, regeneration, and culture. I’ve worked across public, private, and non-profit sectors - locally and globally.

I’m big on good governance. I’ve led strategic reviews, refreshed governance models, and helped shape new organisational strategies. I currently serve or have served as:

• Trustee, MAC Belfast (since 2025)
• Trustee, National Museums NI (since 2024)
• Chair, Advocacy Group for the NI Historic Environment Forum (since 2024)
• Board Director, Academy of Urbanism (since 2022)
• Trustee & Audit & Risk Chair, RUC GC Foundation (since 2019)

Past roles include:

• Member, NI Culture, Arts & Heritage Strategy Task Force (2022–24)
• Member, NI Committee, Heritage Trust Network (2019–24)
• Member, Belfast UNESCO City of Music Steering Group (2018–21)

In 2024, I was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Belfast.

As a Churchill Fellow, I’ve explored civic and cultural regeneration in Colombia and the US - work that continues to inspire my focus on place-based innovation. I’m also a Fellow of the RSA, backing civic change through creativity and collaboration.

I read. I ask questions. I write. I think about how we make better places - together.