their implementation on behalf of National Council. The NMC, which included National and Provincial Commissioners, also handled representation of the organisation both nationally and internationally. The NMC also drove development of both the youth programme and materials to support the management of adult members and other supporters. The NMC had the same membership as the Board of the not-for-profit company acting for Scouting Ireland when appropriate. the association was in the process of merging with the company with the Board of Directors at the helm. Chief Scout The leader of the overall organisation is the Chief Scout, who is its leading volunteer and public representative, chairs general meetings and other bodies, and makes key awards. The Chief reports to the Board of Directors. The first Chief Scout elected was Martin Burbridge, the former National Treasurer of Scouting Ireland (CSI). He was re-elected at National Council in 2007 for a second term which was due to end in 2010. For personal reasons Burbridge announced his resignation in August 2008, and the NMC elected Michael John Shinnick, the then Chief Commissioner for Adult Resources, as SI's second Chief Scout in September 2008. He was elected by National Council in March 2009, and again in 2012, for a term to end in 2015. Christy McCann was elected as SI's third Chief Scout in September 2015. McCann was elected unopposed for a second term in April 2018, serving until February 2021. In May 2021, history was made when Jill Pitcher Farrell was elected as Chief Scout of Scouting Ireland. As a current Rover Scout, this was the first time that Scouting Ireland elected not only a female Chief Scout, but a Youth Member to this role. She is also the first to be elected at a company general meeting, rather than a National Council. Membership participation in governance A National Youth Forum is held each year with representatives from the Scout, Venture Scout and Rover Scout sections. Representatives debate motions relating to the running of the association and their own sections. Successful motions are carried forward to the relevant national bodies, including general meetings. Each forum elects 9 representatives who then represent the interests of youth members on various committees throughout their term of office (generally one year). Professional staff A staff of administrative and support professionals are led by Scouting Ireland's Chief Executive Officer based in the National Office at the Larch Hill