Kath Cottier, CEO of Fold Housing, has been approved as chair of CIH Ireland’s Advisory Board at the organisation’s sixtieth annual meeting on Monday 14 October.

Kath has over 20 years of experience working in the Irish Housing Association sector; leading development, property and housing teams. Prior to her role as CEO at Fold, at Executive level in Clúid Housing, she was responsible for front-line services and working to lead the organisations strategic development and growth as well as contribute to strengthening the Housing Association sector.

Kath holds a MA in Geography from Glasgow University, diplomas in Urban Development (Strathclyde University) and Property and Facilities Management (Irish Property and Facility Management Association) and an MSc in Management Practice from the Irish Management Institute and University College Cork. She is a founding member of the Construction Defects Alliance lobbying for financial redress for individuals and Housing Associations who bought defective homes that don’t meet building standards. As a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, she has served on their Ireland Board since 2020.

Commenting on her official appointment as chair of CIH Ireland’s Advisory Board, Kath said:

“I have benefited greatly from my membership of the CIH with the ability to access networks, training and information that has supported my professional development. This underpins my commitment to the CIH as the new chair and I’m excited about growing our offer in Ireland and how it will contribute to supporting further professionalism of the housing sector in our country.’

Kath takes over as chair of CIH Ireland’s Advisory Board from long-standing trustee John Hannigan, CEO of Circle Voluntary Housing Association, who has now been approved as chair of CIH’s overall governing board. On his new appointment and congratulating Kath he said:

“I’m honoured to take up the position as chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing’s governing board, and I’m pleased to be handing the leadership of CIH Ireland’s board to Kath’s inspiring expertise. I look forward to our continued work together to support growth and excellence for our sector and particularly our members.”

Welcoming Kath into the post of chair and acknowledging John’s legacy, National Director – Ireland Caroline Moloney said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kath as our new chair of the board. Kath’s experience in the sector along with her exceptional leadership will ensure CIH continues to contribute to the professional development of housing in Ireland.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John for his invaluable contribution to the board and his support over the last few years where CIH Ireland has witnessed a significant amount of growth.”

Kath Cottier and new vice-chair Aine McGaley will convene the new board of CIH Ireland for the first time on Tuesday 5 November 2024.

For more information about John Hannigan’s appointment to chair of CIH’s governing body and other headlines from the organisation’s sixtieth annual meeting on Monday 14 October, please visit the website: https://www.cih.org/news/