Michael McDonnell appointed chair of Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland

Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland has announced Michael McDonnell as the new chair of the board. Chief executive of Choice Group, Michael has been a CIH member for over a decade and is a CIH fellow. He assumed the role of chair on Thursday 1 October.   

Commenting on his appointment, Michael said: “I am proud to step into the role of chair of CIH in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to building upon the fantastic work of my predecessor, Carol McTaggart. 

“CIH plays a pivotal role in supporting housing professionals and driving positive change. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the UK to advocate for our communities, support the professional development of our workforce, and champion the transformative power of good quality housing. 

“Housing is not a 'one-size-fits-all' sector, and neither are our members. I look forward to advocating for the wide range of housing options they provide while showcasing the innovative, forward-thinking work being delivered across the sector in Northern Ireland.” 

Michael replaces outgoing chair Carol McTaggart, who retired from the board at the end of September. Carol has been an influential member of the board at CIH Northern Ireland since 2020, taking up the role of chair in 2023. 

Under Carol’s stewardship as chair, CIH Northern Ireland enhanced its external affairs activity to amplify advocacy for housing, championed new housing apprenticeship frameworks to build sector talent, and expanded its strategic board leadership. 

Carol said: “It has been a privilege to lead the CIH Northern Ireland board for the past four years. I’d like to thank my fellow board members and the Northern Ireland team for their help and support during this time.  Together we have achieved much – building collaborative relationships to support sector growth, influencing important policy change and helping to secure our sector’s future by promoting housing as an exciting and rewarding career. 

“With growing demand for safe, affordable homes coupled with pressures such as funding instability, limited infrastructure and utility capacity, plus rising costs, our sector is having to step up like never before. I am delighted to be handing over to Michael McDonnell, who I know will bring the energy, enthusiasm and leadership needed to make that happen. I look forward to continuing to play my part as a committed CIH member.” 

CIH Northern Ireland paid tribute to Carol’s significant contribution to the organisation over the years, with CIH Northern Ireland national director Justin Cartwright adding: “We’d like to thank Carol for her leadership and steadfast commitment to CIH's mission. We're delighted to welcome Michael as our new chair. His experience at Choice Group and his long-standing commitment to CIH will be a real asset as we build on that work.”