Averil Power has been announced as the new CEO of Clúid, a leading Approved Housing Body.
She has been Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society since January 2018. She has previously worked as Chief Executive of the Asthma Society and was also a senator and political adviser.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Power said: “Having grown up in social housing, I know firsthand the lifeline it provides to people who could not afford to rent or buy privately.
“I have also seen through my work as a public representative and charity leader the negative impact lack of a secure home is having on the mental and physical health of children and adults across Ireland.”
Power worked as a senator from 2011 to 2016 serving on the Industrial and Commercial Panel. Previous to this she worked as a political advisor to Mary Hanafin, but later resigned from the Fianna Fáil party in 2015.
“Clúid is working to change this through its advocacy and by directly delivering record numbers of social, affordable and age friendly homes,” Ms Power added.
Current Clúid Chief Executive, Brian O’Gorman, said: “Under her leadership, the Irish Cancer Society has doubled its income from Daffodil Day and other key campaigns, enabling record growth in the number of people benefiting from its services and research.”
“Averil has a deep personal commitment to equality and social justice, as evident from her previous leadership on issues such as educational disadvantage, marriage equality and the rights of adoptees to know their original identities.
“Her commitment to Clúid’s social mission, her vision for inclusive and sustainable growth, and her appreciation for the strength and talent already present across our organisation, underlines my confidence that Clúid is in safe hands as the organisation embarks on its next stage of development,” he said.
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