Tributes paid to CMETB OSD director
FAREWELL Berni Power retires after 40 plus years
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CMETB Board Members. Back (from left): Cllr Colm Carthy, Ms Michelle Flynn, Amanda Taylor (Head of Finance, CMETB), Cllr Carmel Brady, Stephanie McGarry (Staff Officer, CMETB), Cllr Madeleine Argue, Cllr David Maxwell, Joe McGrath, Martin McBreen, Paddy Flood (Director of Schools, CMETB) and Cllr Sean Conlon; front, Cllr Sarah O’Reilly, Cllr Brendan Fay, Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB), Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon (Chairperson, CMETB), Berni Power (Director of OSD, CMETB), Cllr Clifford Kelly, Dr Linda Pinkster (Director of FET, CMETB), Cllr Áine Smith, Cllr Patricia Walsh and Mr Micheál Martin.Image 2 of 2
Cavan native Berni Power, who recently retired from CMETB after 44 years of service.Tributes were paid to the director of Organisation Support and Development (OSD) at the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) following her retirement after a career spanning 44 years.
Berni Power from Kilnagarbet, Tullyco, began her journey with Cavan Vocational Education Committee (VEC) in April 1978, immediately after completing school, as a junior grade Clerk Typist.
Through dedication and competence, she worked her way up the administrative ranks, while simultaneously achieving her third level qualifications and actively contributing to the VEC's operations.
Ms Power played a pivotal role during the amalgamation of Cavan VEC and Monaghan VEC in 2013, and her achievements ultimately led to her promotion to the senior management team within the newly formed CMETB.
In her role as director of Organisation Support and Development (OSD), Ms Power held a diverse portfolio encompassing Finance, Procurement, HR, Compliance, Corporate Services, ICT and Land and Buildings within the organisation.
She was the driving force behind school and building projects over the years and lobbied hard for the development of education facilities and the provision of capital funding within the region.
Her contribution was described by the organisation as one of “unwavering commitment, leadership, and advocacy” for educational development, and her retirement “marks the end of an era” for the organisation.
At a recent luncheon at Cavan Institute, members of the ETB board paid heartfelt tributes to Ms Power, recognising her remarkable career with CMETB.
PJ O’Hanlon (FF), chairperson, CMETB Board, acknowledged her impact, remarking that the invaluable experience she possesses is irreplaceable.
Hers was a first-class contribution to public service, he said.
Clifford Kelly (FF), deputy chairperson of CMETB, shared his experience of working with Ms Power since 1979. He commended her for always being courteous and professional, noting her support for seven chief executives throughout her tenure.
Dr Fiona McGrath, chief executive, CMETB, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude to Ms Power for her support and guidance.
Ms Power, in return, thanked everyone for their kind words. She said she really enjoyed her career and was "passionate" about her role. She stated it had been a privilege to be part of CMETB, a large successful, dynamic organisation with an operating budget of €110M (2023), which employs 1,400 staff across Cavan and Monaghan.
“CMETB is a very progressive organisation, and I am very proud of the many national projects and initiatives that the CMETB team have led out on and delivered successfully over the years,” she said.
Ms Power remarked on the dedication and 'can do' attitude of her colleagues and acknowledged their “wonderful support".
Thanking them all, she said: "I have found my job rewarding and I am very proud of everything that has been achieved by CMETB. It has been a pleasure! Thank-you all, I will miss you greatly.”
CMETB has appointed Karen McBride, former Head of Corporate Services, CMETB, to the role of Director of OSD.