SFHA appoints new Chair
For immediate release: Thursday 31 August 2017
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has announced the election of its new Chair, at a Board meeting following its AGM on Wednesday 30 August. Gerry O’Sullivan takes over from Steve Delaney who has served as Chair since August 2014.
Mr Delaney, a Board Member of Grampian Housing Association, will continue as a Board Director of the SFHA. He said:
“As someone who grew up in social housing, the opportunity to serve as Chair of the SFHA has truly been an honour and a privilege beyond what I could have imagined. It was an opportunity to give something back to society, and there was, certainly, never a dull moment, nor one without challenges, over the past three years.
“I warmly welcome Gerry O’Sullivan’s election as my successor, someone who will be a strong leader for the sector in the coming months and years. Gerry has already served on our Board for three years and chaired our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for two of those.
“Gerry’s dedication and commitment since joining the SFHA Board has been second to none, I and wish him well for the future, knowing he will make his mark on both the SFHA and the sector as we open a new chapter in our history.”
Prior to his retirement, Gerry O’Sullivan worked for over 30 years in social housing at Glasgow City Council and at Glasgow Housing Association. Mr O’Sullivan is a Board Member and former Chair at Bield Housing and Care.
Mr O’Sullivan said:
“I am delighted to have been elected Chair of the SFHA. I would like to thank Steve Delaney for his service and dedication to SFHA over the past three years.
“I look forward to working with our new Chief Executive, Sally Thomas, and SFHA Board Directors and staff, to lead the sector through the challenges the coming years will bring.”
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said:
“Steve has helped to lead the SFHA during periods of change and challenge and has brought to the role of Chair, huge commitment and dedication – and I’d like to thank him on behalf of the federation for his tenure.
“I look forward to working with Gerry as we continue to lead and support our members, enabling them to provide the housing that the people of Scotland need and deserve.”
At the same Board meeting, it was also announced that Nile Istephan, Chief Executive of Eildon Housing Association, will continue as Vice Chair of the SFHA.
Ends
For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 m: 0788 788 8348 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk
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NOTES:
- The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 116 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 200 sector associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland
- The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA members own and manage 80% of the 280,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
- Over 11,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland.
- Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.