Board of Education (R.O.I.)20 Jul 16

New Secondary Education Committee Administrator

The Chairman, the Rt Revd Dr Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, and the Board of Directors of the Secondary Education Committee (SEC) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Johnny Honner to the role of SEC Grants Administrator in succession to Mr David Wynne.  Mr Wynne has retired after 12 years of service.

Johnny Honner has over 30 years’ experience in the banking sector.  During his banking career, he held roles as bank official and branch manager, and acquired professional financial and banking qualifications and experience including in financial regulatory compliance, giving financial advice, and budgets. He has also dealt with a number of state agencies. Arising from his financial and administrative skills, Mr Honner is experienced in working alongside people who are trying to cope with financial difficulties.

Bishop Colton commented: ‘I am delighted, as are my fellow directors, that Mr Johnny Honner has been appointed as Grants Administrator within the Secondary Education Committee.  It is an important position that requires understanding of the involvement of the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Religious Society of Friends in second level education in Ireland. It relies on empathy for applicants and their families, and the capacity to fulfil the many technical and professional aspects associated with running a complex scheme of grant aid.  We are confident that Mr Honner will make a valuable contribution to our work and its development in the years ahead.’

The Secretary of the SEC, Dr Ken Fennelly, also greatly welcomed the appointment of Mr Honner and looked forward to working closely with him in the running and managing of the SEC into the future.

The Board of Directors has also decided to appoint Ms Bridie McLaughlin, currently Administrative Assistant with the SEC, to the role of Deputy Administrator in recognition of the key role she holds in the operations of the SEC. Commenting on the decision, Dr Fennelly said: ‘I am delighted that Ms McLaughlin had accepted the position of SEC Deputy Administrator as her enhanced role affirms how much the Board of Directors value her work with the SEC.  It also recognises the reality of the level of responsibility within the SEC which Ms McLaughlin holds.’

The Board of Directors wishes Mr David Wynne all the very best for his forthcoming retirement.