About Us

Meet the Team

Our well skilled and knowledgeable staff have a proven track record in helping the industry with their issues and concerns.

Mark Spence

Chief Executive

Mark joined the CEF in 2019 as Assistant Director having served 8 years’ as a Director for one of Northern Ireland’s main contractors. His involvement with UK and Irish construction goes back more than 20 years to his consulting role advising both clients and bidders on major PPP capital projects procurements for education, health and infrastructure sectors.

Having previously sat as a member on CEF committees, Mark has long been proactive in engaging public bodies on issues of concern to construction.

Mark is a Senior Advisor to the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), representing the views of the NI construction industry, and former chair of the NI Construction Group (NICG), a collective of industry bodies that engages with government on matters of mutual interest.

He was also appointed by the Finance Minister to the Procurement Board which has responsibility for developing public sector procurement policy and practice for the £3bn annual spend by the NI Executive.

He is responsible for running the CEF and delivery of services to members while leading engagement with the NI Assembly, Executive and procuring authorities as well as partnering with other professional bodies to represent the views of Federation members.

Contact: [email protected]

David Fry

Head of Public Affairs

David has over 8 years' experience with CEF on policy, lobbying and public affairs in general. His in-depth knowledge of the local and national political processes which underpin investment in construction and the wider economy are widely recognised and make him an asset to the organisation and an invaluable source of information to members.

Contact: DavidF @cefni.co.uk

Jonathan Caughey

Federation Manager

Jonathan has been part of the CEF team since 2005.

As Federation Manager, Jonathan's main areas of responsibility include leading our Health & Safety advice within the industry as well as the management and delivery of Federation schemes such as the Construction Skills Register and Safe-T-Cert accreditation.

Contact: [email protected]

Tracy Windrim

Office & Events Manager

Tracy has been with the CEF team since 2016.

As Office & Events Manager, Tracy's main areas of responsibility include PA facilitation to the Managing Director and Assistant Director, as well as maintaining the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, leading our Women in Business and Diversity NI initiatives and leading the organisation of our hugely successful Construction Excellence Awards.

Tracy also takes charge of Social Media, Facilities and Federation events & hospitality.

Contact: [email protected]

Gail Kinkead

Head of Membership

Gail has been with the CEF team since January 2026.

As Head of Membership, she works closely with members and partners to strengthen connections, identify opportunities and enhance the organisation’s support for the construction sector. Gail plays a key role in expanding CEF’s influence and ensuring it continues to deliver value, advocacy and a strong voice on behalf of its growing membership.

Contact: Gail @cefni.co.uk

Vincent Lundy

Communications & Public Affairs Manager

Vincent has been a member of the CEF team since 2021.

Vincent joined the team as a Public Affairs Executive following five years working with a wide range of corporate and construction clients at agency level.

He has extensive experience developing integrated communication and lobbying campaigns and works alongside the team to keep members up to date with political insights, research and relevant information.

Contact: [email protected]

Fionnuala McKenna

Head of Strategic Development

Fionnuala joined the CEF Team in November 2023, bringing over 10 years of experience in onsite operations and pre-construction development across civil infrastructure and building projects in NI and GB.

As Head of Strategic Development, Fionnuala drives strategies for Construction Futures, aligning with the Skills Review and priorities set by the Board and Chief Executive.

Contact: fionnuala@constructionfuturesni.com

Jenni Marshall

Education Engagement Co-Ordinator

Jenni joined the CEF Team in November 2024.

Jenni has experience in employer engagement, project management and relationship building, having worked for organisations such as Speakers for Schools. She will focus on strengthening connections between education institutions and the construction sector, promoting work-based learning opportunities and supporting career pathways within the industry.

Contact: [email protected]

Helen Lorimer

Senior Finance Officer

Helen has been a member of the CEF team since 2021.

As Senior Finance Officer, Helen’s main areas of responsibility include the day-to-day maintenance of the sales and purchase ledger, ensuring suppliers are paid in a timely manner, reconciliation of the bank accounts and analysis and reporting to the Accountant and Executive Team as required.

Contact: 028 9087 7143

Kathryn Webb

Administrator

Kathryn has been a member of the CEF team since 2001. She joined as an Office Junior but it wasn't long before her role changed and Kathryn became involved in the co-ordination and administration of CEF courses and seminars, taking on full-time responsibility for the day-to-day running of both the Safe-T-Cert and NIVR-O-CERT schemes.

As scheme Administrator, Kathryn's responsibilities include liaising with member companies and auditors to ensure audits happen in a timely fashion, as well as monthly reporting and overseeing the processing of audit reports and certificates.

Contact: 028 9087 7143

Oliver McCandless

Administrator

Oliver has been with the CEF team since 2003 and is first point of contact for the Construction Skills Register (CSR). As well as dealing with member queries, he also handles the many telephone calls regarding CSR cards.

Oliver is responsible for the day-to-day processing and issuing of CSR cards in a timely manner.

Contact: 028 9087 7143

Janet Carson

Receptionist

Janet has been a key part of the CEF team for over 20 years.

Janet is the first point of contact for all who call or visit the CEF's offices. She is responsible for responding to public queries, greeting visitors, and handling the many telephone calls coming through the Federation's switchboard on a daily basis.

Janet is part of the administration team, as well as being one of the appointed First Aiders in the building.

Contact: 028 9087 7143