Caroline Hickey – Managing Director
Caroline began working in the Life and Pensions industry in 1999. She worked in Keane Pension and Investment Consultants Limited for 12 years where she developed extensive technical expertise in all areas of Private Pension Planning, Investments, Group Risk Schemes and in areas of Public Sector Pensions through the provision of advice in relation to AVCs and PNS.
Caroline joined Public Authority Pension Services Limited (PAPS) as a Director in June 2016 and became Managing Director in December 2019.
Caroline holds a Diploma in Information Systems from Trinity College Dublin, a Professional Diploma in Financial Advice (QFA) and a Professional Diploma in Retirement Planning Advice (RPA).
Sarah Darcy – Director
Sarah joined PAPS as a Senior Account Manager in 2019, and brings with her a broad range of technical knowledge across public and private sector schemes. Sarah has worked in pensions since 2007; prior to joining PAPS she was the Superannuation Officer for the National Maternity Hospital. Sarah has hands-on experience of administration of pre-existing schemes and the Single Public Sector Pension Scheme.
In the earlier part of her career, Sarah worked in the banking sector. During this time she worked in the Learning & Development team of one of Ireland’s largest banks. Sarah has extensive experience in delivering staff presentations and training, both in traditional classroom format and online.
Sarah holds a number of professional qualifications including: a Professional Diploma in Financial Advice (QFA); a Professional Diploma in Retirement Planning Advice (RPA); a Professional Certificate in DC Pension Scheme Trusteeship (PTP); Certified Project Management Associate (IPMA-D); and a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Training Delivery & Evaluation.
Sarah became a Director of PAPS in 2021.
Bernie Hanna – Pensions Specialist
Bernie joined the Public Sector (Teagasc) in 1990 and worked in Teagasc’s Finance, Administration and HR Departments (Pensions). From 2008 to 2016 Bernie managed the Pensions area of Teagasc, developing comprehensive technical knowledge and expertise in Public Sector Pensions. During this period, she received a number of awards under the Teagasc Staff Excellence Programmes.
Bernie joined PAPS as a Senior Account Manager in December 2016 and became a Pensions Specialist in January 2021. Bernie uses her many years of public sector pension administration experience to assist clients with the administration of their schemes, ensuring compliance by Schemes with regulatory requirements and ensuring that scheme administrators have adequate training and guidance.
Bernie graduated from UCD with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in 1981.
Emma Reilly – Account Manager
Emma joined PAPS as an Account Manager in 2022 and has developed technical expertise in public sector pension scheme rules, with a focus on the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Emma had primary responsibility for the preparation of Single Scheme benefit statements in advance of the 30th June statutory deadline in 2022.
Prior to joining PAPS, Emma developed key skills in roles within the Retail and Financial Service industries. Through her excellent communication skills and attention to detail, Emma delivers optimal service to clients.
Emma achieved the Qualified Financial Advisor qualification in 2021.
Caitriona Darcy – Account Manager
Caitriona joined PAPS as an Account Manager in 2022 and has developed particular expertise in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Caitriona has more than 12 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry and brings to her role in PAPS excellent communication skills as well as experience in documenting and breaking down complex processes. With a keen focus on quality and compliance, Caitriona strives to deliver first-class service to the bodies PAPS works with.