Gildernew re-appoints Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Chair

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has confirmed that Mr Seán Hogan, the Chairperson of the Board of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is to have his term of office extended.

Announcing the extension, the Minister said “Seán has led AFBI during its’ early years and helped the organisation establish itself as a strong force in both the local and wider research market.

“He has performed the role to the highest standard and is to be commended for his work to date. But AFBI is still a new organisation and there is much to do in the years ahead to continue this drive. To help them achieve this objective I have re-appointed Seán, as Chairman of AFBI, for a further four-year term.

“I look forward to his continued support and commitment in taking forward the work of this important centre of scientific excellence.”

The AFBI Board provides strategic leadership for AFBI. In doing so it is responsible for ensuring that AFBI achieves its delivery objectives and for promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources. Mr Hogan brings a broad experience that is essential for this leading world class science facility.

Mr Hogan is expected to commit in the region of 40 days per year to this post and will receive a remuneration of £24,970.

Mr Hogan has recently been appointed as the Chairperson (Designate) of the new Education and Skills Authority.

This re-appointment has been made in accordance with the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA) NI Code of Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. Mr Hogan has no political activity.

Notes to editors:

1. AFBI was created on 1 April 2006. AFBI’s mission is to further develop a reputation as a world class scientific institute, delivery proven value to Government and to customers.
2. Mr Seán Hogan is a management consultant living in Newry. He is a Masters graduate from Queen’s University Belfast in Organisational Management, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Marketing Management, the Institute of Directors and the Royal Society of Arts Commerce and Manufactures. Mr Hogan is a board member of the NI Transport Holding Company, and has recently been appointed as the Chairperson (Designate) of the new Education and Skills Authority.
3. He is a former member of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, a former Chairman of Newry & Mourne Health & Social Services Trust and Chairman of the Chairs Forum.
4. The current term of appointment will end on 31 March 2010 and has been extended for a further 4 years.
5. The Chairperson of the AFBI Board is expected to commit in the region of 40 days per year to this post and will receive a remuneration of £24,970.
6. This reappointment has been made in accordance with the OCPA NI Code of Practice.
7. All appointments to the Institute are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of applicants (if any declared) to be published. Mr Hogan has declared no political activity.
8. All media queries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 90 524619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.