A Partner in Audit and Advisory at HM Chartered Accountants, Angela has worked with the Belfast firm for the past 24 years. Originally from Moneyreagh, County Down, and now living in Comber, she brings long-standing experience in supporting businesses and organisations across the local economy.
Speaking after her election, Angela said it was “a real honour and privilege” to take on the role and said she was looking forward to the year ahead. She set out her theme for the year as celebrating Chartered Accountants and member firms across Northern Ireland as “Difference Makers”.
Angela highlighted the important contribution Chartered Accountants make every day, helping businesses to grow, organisations to succeed, opportunities to be created and communities to thrive. She said that behind many of Northern Ireland’s success stories, there is often a Chartered Accountant helping to make things happen.
She also underlined the profession’s role in supporting Northern Ireland’s economic ambitions, calling for a bold and credible economic strategy to help the region realise its potential. As trusted business advisers, she said Chartered Accountants are helping to steer the business community, strengthen organisations and support communities right across Northern Ireland.
Let us reintroduce ourselves
While the Ulster Society team remains well-known faces that have worked closely with our members over the years, you might have heard of some changes.
One new recruit but a well-known figure in Chartered Accountants Ireland is Sinead Fox-Hamilton. Sinead moved into the Head of NI Engagement in 2026, where she leads initiatives to strengthen member engagement, grow the profession, and enhance the
Institute’s presence across Northern Ireland. She oversees the activities and finances of the Ulster Society, works closely with members and key stakeholders, and promotes Chartered Accountancy through outreach and engagement with schools, colleges, universities, employers, and the wider business community.
While still having close ties to the Ulster Society activity, Zara Duffy has moved into a new role. As Executive Head of Global Engagement, Zara works closely with the chapters across the globe to build opportunity and engagement with our members.
Karen Hewitt is now Ulster Society Manager. This role sees her leading the delivery of the annual events programme, overseeing committee governance, and developing stakeholder relationships across Northern Ireland. With almost a decade of experience within the Institute, Karen has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality initiatives that bring together members, business leaders and industry experts to inform, connect and inspire the profession.
Working closely with committees, sponsors and strategic partners, she oversees a diverse programme of networking and flagship events, while ensuring the effective planning and coordination of the Ulster Society’s committee activities and priorities.
Remaining as Communications Executive, Garry Webb continues to lead the PR and Marketing delivery for the Ulster Society. Developing key engagement communication activities so our members know the latest and greatest happening in and around the Society as well as building opportunities to share our work with the wider public.
In the short term, we have some added help from our Temporary Communications and Events Assistant, Hannah Burton. Working closely with Karen and Garry, Hannah’s role will support our event calendar and PR opportunities.
The team continue to work to the value of our members building a flow of events, communications and engagement opportunities that help promote the profession and build on your career in the world of Accountancy.