Naomi Long

Ms Hunt is a qualified barrister with over 20 years’ post-qualification experience. She owned and managed the Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough from 2011 until her retirement in 2024.

Ms McKeown is a solicitor with expertise in human rights and public law, gained through work in the private, voluntary, and public sectors.

Both were appointed for a three-year term beginning on 1 March 2025, alongside Kerry Anthony, David Bowden, Ken Cameron, Claire Keatinge and Maynard Mawhinney.

Glenn Houston was appointed as chair of the Board, joined by Maureen Brunt, Brian Ingram, Jackie Johnston, Bria Mongan and Eileen Patterson, each of whom have been re-appointed for a second term.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “I would like to welcome the new appointees to the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and I have no doubt that they will make an important contribution supporting the PBNI in its crucial role in helping make communities safer.

“The Probation Board for Northern Ireland is involved at all stages of the criminal justice process working in courts, the community, in prisons and directly with victims of crime.

“Its contribution to reducing crime and re-offending along with the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into the community cannot be underestimated.

“The PBNI helps to deliver a number of key justice priorities such as tackling domestic abuse and sexual and violent offending and implementing a trauma informed approach among others.”