Appropriately enough, the new president for Junior Chamber International (JCI ) Galway is Brenda Gannon, an economist working at NUI Galway.
Ms Gannon aims to continue the success of JCI Galway by encouraging active citizenship and achievement of personal goals among members.
She previously worked in the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI ) Dublin and before that she was with Forfas, with the Expert Group for Future Skill Needs.
Ms Gannon is now deputy director of a research centre (Irish Centre for Social Gerontology ) in NUI Galway that explores the health economics and social aspects of ageing. She is involved in several multidisciplinary projects regionally and has contributed towards national policy reports in health and disability economics.
Internationally, she has well deserved recognition for her scientific work and is currently a member of the World Health Economics Association scientific committee. She recently was an invited speaker at an EU conference on ‘Economic Policies for an Ageing Europe’. She brings many leadership skills to the world of JCI from her daily work tasks including project management, funding acquisition, networking, public speaking and team development.
Ms Gannon joined JCI Galway in January 2008 and availed of the many opportunities including working on the JCI Galway Tourist Guide 2009 as co-chairperson and representing JCI at the International Oyster Pearl Competition. She was awarded Most Outstanding Member in 2008 and awarded the prestigious prize of the President’s cup that originated in 1976.
Outside of work, Ms Gannon is no stranger to leadership and community involvement. She has been involved in sports for many years and trained with the National Women’s Canoe Polo Squad in 2004. Since arriving to Galway in 2006, she has been treasurer of the re-developed Galway Kayak Club and was a leader in 2008 for the Fit4life running programme with Galway City Harriers. Her enthusiasm and energy will be of much benefit to JCI Galway in her role as President for 2009.
Ms Gannon is looking forward to the challenge of the year ahead and encourages all young people between the age of 18 and 40 to join JCI Galway, to get involved in the wide range of professional and social activities.
Particularly in the current economic climate, the soft skills that are gained from involvement with JCI will stand to all members. In 2009, JCI Galway will strive to reach out to even more business and industry in Galway and Ms Gannon looks forward to members reaping the benefits from these collaborations.
JCI Galway is part of an international organisation focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship and active citizenship. It has a strong emphasis in creating young leaders, achieved by running many worthwhile projects which add to and enhance community life in Galway. There are also great opportunities for travel and training within JCI. This year members will travel to Budapest for the European Convention. Sales training will be provided in January for all members.
For further information contact [email protected] or see www.jci-galway.org
