Simon Community appoints new chairman

A new chairman has been appointed to the Dublin Simon Community following severe internal difficulties after the dismissal of…

A new chairman has been appointed to the Dublin Simon Community following severe internal difficulties after the dismissal of the body's chief executive last year.

The new chairman, Dr Edmond Molloy, will preside over the homeless charity's AGM and the election of a new board this Thursday.

A statement issued on behalf of the Dublin Simon Community said the current chair, Mr. Ronnie Tucker, will step down with immediate effect.

Dr Molloy, a former chairman of Focus Ireland said that in accepting the invitation from the Dublin Simon Community he would "act in an independent capacity to facilitate the transition from the existing board to the creation of the new board to be elected on March 31st".

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The statement said Dr Molloy has extensive experience over the last 30 years as one of Ireland's most prominent independent management and organisational consultants to the private, public and voluntary sectors.

"In addition to Focus Ireland, he has had many dealings with homelessness and disadvantaged people."

The statement said Dr Molloy had issued invitations to all nominees for election to the new board to a meeting today to agree the structure and conduct of Thursday's AGM "in order to create a new board which would have the support of the Community".

A no-confidence vote in the directors of the Dublin Simon Community was passed at an extraordinary general meeting earlier this year.

The board of the Dublin Simon Community dismissed the body's chief executive Greg Maxwell last year, stating he did not have the skills and expertise to lead the charity forward. However, his supporters say the organisation has expanded and flourished under his leadership since 1995.

Mr Maxwell is seeking reinstatement.