Posted online: Nov 18th, 2009

Mary Ann Kane was elected as the new Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Donegal VEC (Vocational Education Committee) at Monday’s meeting of the VEC in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.

The Mountcharles woman will take over from outgoing CEO, Séan Ó Longáin, who is retiring after 33 years in the role. Mrs Kane is the former principal of the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town and has been Education Officer with the VEC since 2006. Addressing the committee following her appointment, Mrs Kane said it was a “great honour” to be elected.

“I’m very grateful to you, the members, for putting your trust in me and appointing me,” Mrs Kane told the committee, adding that she would do her best to maintain the high standard that had been set by her predecessor.

The new Acting CEO will fulfill the role for an initial period of three months, commencing on December 1st.

Parents Representative, Mr Francis McDaid, congratulated Mrs Kane on behalf of the parish of Inver and added that education in the county would be in a “safe pair of hands” as a result of her appointment.

VEC Chairperson, Cllr David Alcorn, praised Mrs Kane for her excellent interview and told the committee that it had been a very difficult decision for the selection committee. Cllr Dessie Larkin called Mrs Kane a “first class” Education Officer and wished her every success in her new role.