New ABDO College Trustees chair appointed

Outgoing chair, Angela McNamee

At a meeting of ABDO College trustees on Wednesday 27 January, Angela McNamee stood down as chair after five years in the role and having completed the maximum term of eight years as a trustee.

Angela has been succeeded as chair by immediate past president of ABDO, Clive Marchant.

Tony Garrett, secretary to the trustees, said: “Angela McNamee has had five highly important and successful years as chair of the ABDO College trustees. She has shown great leadership during these recent, most difficult of times – and has always put the long-term interests of the College first. Her keen sense of duty will be greatly missed by her fellow trustees and College staff alike.

“Clive Marchant assumes the chair at this challenging time, and his considerable experience as an ABDO board member and president will certainly be invaluable in the months ahead.”

Angela commented: “It’s been such a privilege to serve as an ABDO College trustee for the past eight years, seeing the College grow, both in it scope and in its outstanding reputation. Then, to be chosen as chair of the trustees five years ago, was truly an honour. It’s a position that I’ve been very proud to hold, and never more so than in the past year, when I’ve witnessed how amazingly Jo [Underwood] and her team have coped with the unprecedented demands inflicted on them by the pandemic.

“I wish every future success to the college, and to the trustees, as they go forward under Clive’s very safe and capable leadership.”

Clive said:“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed chair of the College trustees. It is 20 years since ABDO College was established, a time to celebrate its success to date, but the pandemic is a time of great challenge as the College team adapt to delivering first class education remotely.

“Jo Underwood, the College’s founder principal, is soon to retire. Through her leadership, the College has grown to become a world-renowned educator of opticians. Jo should be immensely proud of all she has achieved. The College will be in good hands when her successor, Dr Robert Cubbidge, takes post this summer.

“With change comes new opportunities, and ABDO College will continue to be at the forefront of delivering world-class education for the optical profession.

“I look forward to working with the trustees and College team as we develop and approve the College’s strategic goals and objectives.”