19 months later OFMDFMappoints new Ilex chair

The First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced the appointment of former Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA), Philip Flynn to the role.

Three new board members have also been appointed to Ilex.

The new board members are Aaron McElhinney, Henry McGarvey and Gerry Mullen.

All appointments will be for three years. The position of Chair carries an annual remuneration of £30,000 and the position of Non-Executive Director has a per diem rate of £400.

In Mr Flynn’s former role as boss of DHDA he was charged with the creation of a centre of excellence for Digital Media to accelerate Ireland’s digital economy and to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Dublin’s historic Liberties area.

He is also currently a Board member, and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, of the Irish Music Rights Organisation, a Board member of the Dublin Simon Community, where he also served as Chair from 2005–2007 and a Board Member of Sligo Music Fest Ltd, where he served as Chair from 2006–2009.

In addition he serves on the Boards of LERO the National Software Research Centre at University of Limerick and the Liberties Community Training Agency in Dublin.

His experience in the Digital Industries along with his leadership ability in both the public and private sector will be beneficial in the ongoing development at Ebrington, particularly the development of the digital hub in early 2014.

Mr McElhinney works as a financial advisor for Paul O’Keefe Estate Agents and Financial Advisers.

He is a DE Governor at Oakgrove Integrated College, and a past president and current board member of the Londonderry Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Mr McElhinney will bring a local perspective and understanding of the economic and social challenges facing Londonderry and the North West region.

Mr McGarvey is the Head of Computing and Creative Practices at the Institute of Technology in Sligo.

He is the Chair of the Governing Body of Letterkenny Institute of Technology, board member of the Industrial Development Authority, Chairperson of the Donegal Gateway Economic Forum and Chairperson of Donegal Clinical Academy Trust Limited.

He was Managing Director/Vice President of Operations and Systems Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited based in Letterkenny from 2002-2013, was Vice Chair and Chairperson of American Chamber of Commerce Ireland in the North West from 2007-2013 and member of the Board of the American Chamber from 2010-2013 and represented IBEC/Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce on the Donegal County Development Board from 2003-2010.

He was a member of the Industry Advisory Group to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the implementation of the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation and Joint Chair of the Industry Advisory Group to the IDA and INI on the North West Business and Technology Zone investment project. He will bring corporate governance and accountability skills to the Ilex Board.

Mr Mullen was the Chair and Finance director of Hunter Apparel Solutions from 1996-2010. He held the position of Non-Executive Director of LEDU from 1991-1997.

Mr Mullen will be able to assist the Ilex Board in the successful implementation of strategy, networking and governance.