Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: By October 1917 , Collins had risen to become a member of the executive of Sinn FÃ in and director of organization of the Irish Volunteers ; Ã amon de Valera was president of both organizations .
Simplified: By October 1917 , Collins had become a member of the executive of Sinn FÃ in and director of organization of the Irish Volunteers . Ã amon de Valera was president of both organizations .