Fermanagh Trust appoints new Chairman and Patron

Local businessman Ernie Fisher is the new Chairman of Fermanagh Trust. The charity, which was established in 1995, advocates for and supports the wellbeing of people across Fermanagh, helping to develop strong vibrant communities.

 

Ernie Fisher and Joanna McVey

 

Ernie Fisher is Chairman of Fisher Holdings Ltd and former Managing Director of Fisher Engineering Ltd. Ernie has been involved in community life in the Ballinamallard area for many years and is actively involved in a number of organisations including Ballinamallard Development Association and Ballinamallard Enterprise Company Ltd. Ernie was instrumental in establishing the Fisher Foundation a named fund with The Fermanagh Trust which supports voluntary work overseas and rally safety initiatives.

On his appointment Ernie said “I’m delighted to take on the role of Chair of Fermanagh Trust, having been a Trustee with the organisation for a number of years. Thanks to our last Chair Dr Aideen McGinley and indeed all our terrific Trustees for their hard work. I’m looking forward to building on our priorities over the coming year along with my vice Chair Jim Ledwith and to continue making an important contribution to the community sector.”

Over the last 20 years the Trust has supported hundreds of community based projects in Fermanagh via grant awards. The Trust is based in Enniskillen at their social enterprise Fermanagh House, which has office space and meeting rooms. The income from which is used to meet their community's charitable needs.

 

Also at their AGM Joanna McVey retired as a Trustee but will remain with the Fermanagh Trust in the role of Patron. A founding trustee, Joanna is former Managing Director of William Trimble Ltd which owned the Impartial Reporter. Joanna is involved in a number of community and voluntary organisations in Fermanagh. Joanna and family have been actively involved in establishing the Joan Trimble Award Scheme a named fund with the Fermanagh Trust and is a member of the fund’s advisory grants panel. Ernie added “Joanna really has gone above and beyond in her role, we wish her well in her retirement and are pleased she will remain with us in the role of Patron.”