Dr John Regan is the CEO of the Educational Research Centre.

John holds a PhD in Economics from University College Dublin, Ireland. Prior to joining the ERC as CEO, John Regan was Senior Manager with responsibility for Strategy & Research at the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which he joined in 2013. John has also previously worked as a Special Advisor to the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and lectured in microeconomics at the University of Birmingham (UK).

John was appointed CEO in late 2023.

The role of a Chief Executive of the ERC is to provide strategic leadership, ensure efficient operations, and uphold the Centre’s mission in alignment with legislation and Government policy. The CEO is responsible for overseeing daily activities, managing personnel, and ensuring that the Centre meets its goals and objectives. This involves creating and implementing policies, managing budgets, and coordinating with other government bodies. The CEO also acts as a liaison between the Centre and stakeholders, including the public, government officials, and other partners.

Rachel is Head of Research at the ERC. She was previously Research Fellow with responsibility for TIMSS at Eight grade and PISA 2022. She ‎was also National Project Manager for TALIS in 2008 and PISA in 2009 and 2012. Rachel has an ‎M.Psych.Sc. in Health Psychology from the National University of Ireland, Galway and a Ph.D. from Dublin City University. Her doctoral research examined academic resilience among children experiencing poverty in Ireland.

Damian Downes is Head of Governance and Corporate Services at the ERC. He was previously Director of Corporate Services at the Medical Council (2019 – 2021) and College Secretary and Registrar at the National College of Art and Design (2011 – 2019). Prior to that he was the Chief Executive at Kilkenny Arts Festival (2007 to 2011). He previously worked at the National University of Ireland as Head of Finance and Administration (2007). Damian has an MA in Communication and Cultural Studies from DCU, an MBA from the Smurfit Business School at UCD and at Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, also from UCD.

Anne is Senior Manager in the ERC, responsible for all HR and Governance matters. She joined the ERC in 2015 ‎after working for the French Embassy and the Planning and Transport sector as an Accounts and HR ‎Manager. She has a Masters Degree in European and Public Law from the University of Le Havre ‎‎(France). ‎