Meet the Team

The Heritage Circle CIC is led by a multidisciplinary team of heritage professionals whose combined expertise spans project and programme management, built heritage, community development, research, governance, and strategic leadership across Northern Ireland and the UK. Together, Nikki, Connie, and Emma bring a powerful blend of skills that ensure the organisation delivers high‑quality, people‑centred heritage projects from concept to completion.

Nikki McVeigh, has over 15 years’ senior‑level experience in heritage project development, organisational leadership, and strategic management. With a background in architecture and extensive work in the non‑government heritage sector, she has led major programmes in built heritage, policy, advocacy, public engagement, and climate adaptation. As Chief Executive of Ulster Architectural Heritage (2014–2021), she oversaw strategy, governance, fundraising, and designed, managed and delivered lead heritage projects such as Heritage At Risk NI and Heritage Angel Awards NI. Her subsequent roles as Manager and Senior National Consultant – Heritage & Climate with the National Trust (2021–2024) strengthened her expertise in historic buildings and collections management, cross‑regional project planning, risk management, and climate‑resilience approaches for heritage sites. Nikki’s leadership is supported by advanced qualifications in architecture, heritage science, and management. Alongside her role as Director Nikki is a PhD researcher on Heritage at Risk and also holds advisory roles with National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built Environment.

Dr Connie Gerrow, brings over a decade of experience in heritage project delivery, research management, and built conservation. During her time as Heritage Projects Officer at Ulster Architectural Heritage (2015–2022), she led major initiatives including the Heritage at Risk programme, Hands‑On Heritage, and the Mournes & Me schools’ education project — all requiring detailed planning, stakeholder coordination, evaluation, and community engagement. In her current role as Research Engagement Officer at Ulster University, Connie designs and manages institution‑wide development programmes, demonstrating strong capability in strategic planning, structured programme design, partnership building, and operational delivery. Her expertise is further informed by her service on the Historic Buildings Council for Northern Ireland and her academic background, including a PhD in Historic Building Conservation.

Emma Fisher, specialises in people‑focused heritage work, with nearly ten years’ experience across the heritage, culture, and local government sectors. She has designed, managed, and delivered funded heritage and community projects supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, PEACE programmes, and a range of public and charitable funders. Emma’s work centres on partnership development, community engagement, and volunteer‑led delivery, supporting organisations and community groups to translate strategic ideas into practical, impactful outcomes. Her senior roles with the National Trust, National Museums NI, and local government have involved managing complex activity plans, multi‑partner delivery, and diverse stakeholder relationships. Emma holds a BA in Social Anthropology and a Level 4 Award in Leadership and Management, and currently leads strategic volunteering initiatives at National Museums NI. Emma is a committee member of Volunteer Now.

Together, Nikki, Connie, and Emma offer a dynamic and comprehensive suite of project‑management strengths — including strategic planning, governance, budgeting, risk management, stakeholder engagement, evaluation, and community‑centred delivery. Their combined experience ensures that The Heritage Circle CIC delivers heritage projects that are robust, inclusive, compliant, and impactful, supporting organisations and communities to understand, celebrate maintain and protect heritage in meaningful and sustainable ways.