Former MEP set to drive IT Sligo’s role in region
THE appointment of a new Vice President of Research, Innovation and Engagement at IT Sligo, demonstrated its commitment to regional development.
That was the view of IT President Brendan McCormack in welcoming the appointment of former MEP, Dr Chris O’Malley to the newly-created role.
The position was created to strategically grow IT Sligo’s already pivotal research and innovation functions and increase and co-ordinate engagement with industry and public bodies.
Dr McCormack, said: “As a result of his time in Wales, Dr O’Malley has deep experience of enhancing the economic development of a rural region and this will help him greatly in his new role at IT Sligo.
“The creation of this new role at VP level demonstrates IT Sligo’s commitment to regional development and regional engagement.
“We already have a strong research and innovation team and have robust connections with industry and regional development agencies. Chris will be instrumental in strategically growing these connections and creating new ones, especially with our alumni across the world.
“I personally look forward to working closely with Chris in implementing IT Sligo’s new Strategic Plan.”
Dr O’Malley will work on maximising relationships and building networks with stakeholders while working closely with the Senior Management team on implementing IT Sligo’s new ambitious Strategic Plan.
Dr O’Malley comes to IT Sligo with a wide breadth of strategic leadership experience in higher education in three different jurisdictions, leading developments in teaching and learning, research, community and industry engagement and organisational change.
His previous roles in third-level education include: Pro Vice Chancellor, Business & Development at the University of Worchester; Pro Vice Chancellor, Regional & International Development, University of Wales and Director of Strategic Development, Dublin City University.
He joins IT Sligo from Fingal Leader Partnership where he held the role of Chief Executive Officer and is a former Fine Gael member of the European Parliament (MEP).
As the youngest MEP at the time, he represented Dublin in the European Parliament.
Dr O’Malley said: “I am very much looking forward to taking up this role at IT Sligo and building key, strategic partnerships with employers and stakeholders across the North West and beyond.
“My aim is for IT Sligo to be an engine of innovation for the region. My aim is to strategically enhance the role of IT Sligo in regional development.
“A particular concern of mine in this role will be to increase the level of engagement between the research expertise in the Institute and the needs of local companies and public services.”
Dr O’Malley will be moving to Sligo from Dublin to take up the position.
“I have been to Sligo only a small number of times but I did not know the Welsh Valleys when I moved there and it did not take me long before I knew the whole region inside out and was passionate about its development. I fully expect that to happen in Sligo. I have two grown-up daughters and will look forward to showing them around my new home when they come to visit.”