Our History

Having graduated from Cambridge University, Selina’s career started at The Times Newspaper where she worked in international sales including 6 months in Dubai setting up the UAE edition commercial operation, as well as a stint in the US to advise on the set up of the New York edition. She then worked at The Economist, setting up ‘The Ideas People’ digital advertising network across Europe. Selina’s business skills led her to launch a fashion business (The Season Hats) with her husband, designer Paul Stafford. The Season Hats went on to show at London and Paris Fashion weeks, winning awards through Headonism and Newgen. Meanwhile, Selina has taken on the family business and is currently the Managing Director of the 4-star White Horse Hotel where she in undertaking a refurbishment of the hotel, already resulting in a new bar and restaurant, and the addition of Spa facilities. As President of Junior Chamber International (JCI Derry) 2020, Selina won awards for Most Outstanding Local President, Extempore Champion and was a member of the Winning Debate Team. In 2021 she was awarded Most Outstanding Immediate Past President. In 2021/22, Selina was Chair of The LegenDerry Food Network. She sits on the Hospitality and Tourism Skills ‘Attract’ committee, and is a Director of Les Foyer Des Artistes as part of her commitment to developing Tourism in Northern Ireland.

Aidan is a Director in Allstate and will be leading the Allstate Business Line Enablement Technology group within Allstate Northern Ireland whilst continuing his Leadership role within Allstate Canada, where he currently holds the position of Director of Production Health. Aidan, based in Allstate NI’s Derry office, is driving production support strategy and vision for Allstate, through his global organisation across 3 different timezone.

Dawn is the principal of the progressive, award winning accountancy practice, Dawn McLaughlin & Co. She is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, a Chartered Accountant and has a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Economics. Dawn trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse where she managed the SME department in the North West branch before establishing her own practice.

Also a past President of Londonderry Junior Chamber. Redmond is a career banker, having joined the industry in 1986 and worked through most roles to his current position. His time in banking has allowed him to gain a wealth of experience across the banking sectors including Branch Banking, Business and Corporate Banking,

Chief Executive of Foyle Port. During his time as President, Brian’s focus for his Presidency will be to support the members of the Chamber by providing strong guidance and leadership. He was appointed as the Chief Executive and Harbour Commissioner of Foyle Port in 2003. Prior to his current role, Brian was the Director of Harland and Wolff and has extensive experience in ship design, project management and maritime economics. He is a Chartered Director, a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Brian is also a former Council Member of the British Ports Association and the Confederation of British Industries. He is currently a Board Member of the Northern Ireland Council of the Prince’s Trust.

Managing Director of the Airporter coach service (now Aircoach), connecting passengers between Derry-Londonderry and the Belfast airports. Over more than 20 years in business, Airporter carried 1.5 million passengers. Airporter was an award-winning industry leader, with a reputation for excellence in customer service and for the use of innovation in transport. Jennifer is also Chair of the Tourism Skills group of Derry City and Strabane District Council and is a frequent contributor to issues relating to connectivity, infrastructure and tourism. As President of the Chamber in 2018 she had the opportunity to represent Chamber on Brexit related issues to British and Irish government, and participated on delegations to Brussels and Westminster on Brexit and City Deals.