The Irish Computer Society has re-elected Professor Mike Hinchey as its President for a third consecutive year and announced the appointment of Mary Cleary as Secretary-General.
Professor Hinchey, who is also President of IFIP, has a long and distinguished record of service within ICS. He served as both Vice President and Treasurer before being elected as President for a one year term in November 2018, with the potential to review for up to three years.
He believes that holding both positions enables him to be more effective in representing the needs of ICT professionals both within Ireland and around the world.
In relation to the role of ICS Secretary-General, Ms Cleary brings valued expertise and experience in representing the ICT profession in Ireland, particularly at a European level. She is Chair of the CEN standardisation committee, Digital Competences and IT Professionalism, and Chair of the Irish National Coalition of the European Commission’s Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition.
Ms Cleary advises on European skills policy and has worked with the European Digital SME Alliance on strategy, contributing to the Commission’s Skills for SMEs report (2019) and the Skills for Industry 2030 report (2019).
In addition to championing the voice of the ICT profession in public policy debate with government and European institutions, she has a particular interest in attracting young people, and especially girls, to the ICT profession; in supporting the development of young ICT professionals; and in building vibrant identities and networks for each specialism in ICT which will foster greater appreciation and effective collaboration across ICT functions and between ICT and business.
Mr Hinchey said he was delighted to announce Ms Cleary’s appointment at what is a critical time for the organisation and the IT profession in Ireland, saying the central role of digital technology in our lives and work has been brought into sharp focus in recent months.
“The increased pace of digital transformation both excites and challenges us as it impacts on all our jobs, our homes, our education, our healthcare. As the ICS, we must support the development of individual ICT professionals in Ireland but also represent the voice of the ICT profession, distinct from the ICT industry, in public policy debate.
“Mary’s passion for learning, for connections, for Ireland and for Europe provides a new platform for engagement and growth. I look forward to working with Mary and the ICS Council to develop new approaches and opportunities for the ICT profession in Ireland and to provide a strong participation by the Irish ICT profession in Europe and globally.”
Images: Mike Hinchey and Mary Cleary
