Community Trust South has today announced the appointment of Penny Simmonds as the new chair of Community Trust South. Simmonds takes over as the trust’s chair position from Margot Hishon. Lindsay Wright will remain as the deputy chair.
Wright says “The board agreed that Penny has the right skills and experience to lead Community Trust South. Her governance expertise, strong leadership and commitment will serve the board and the community well”.
“It is a real honour to be able to lead the Community Trust South board as we continue to work with community groups and organisations who enable growth and progress in the south. I am committed to the economic, social and cultural development of our community, and passionate about this very special part of the world we live in” Simmonds said.
Simmonds has been on the Community Trust South board since 2012 and, along with Richard Wason, is the longest serving trustee. As well as Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) chief executive for 22 years, Simmonds has held positions on the board of Hockey Southland including past chair, is also past president of Hockey New Zealand, has had significant involvement with the Southland Regional Development Strategy and governance experience across a range of community organisations.
In 2015 Simmonds was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit recognising her service to education, sport and community in Southland.
The positions of chair and deputy chair are elected by the trustees on a two-yearly basis.