Úna Parsons has been appointed the new head of the School of Engineering & Design in the Institute of Technology, Sligo. She succeeds Shane Fanning, who is leaving the Institute to take up a new management position with the medical devices company Mallinckrodt Ltd. An experienced and award-winning chartered engineer, Parsons has held the post of Head of Department of Mechanical & Electronic Engineering at IT Sligo since 2012, but her association with the college stretches back to her own student days – as a toolmaking apprentice in the former Sligo Regional Technical College (RTC). As Head of Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Parsons has been instrumental in the recent development of IT Sligo’s new vision to become a precision engineering and manufacturing centre of excellence. She was also a key initiator in the establishment of the Engineering Expo at IT Sligo, which is an annual showcase of engineering, collaborating with local industry and schools across the north-west region. Prior to joining IT Sligo, Parsons was chief executive officer of the Crafts Council of Ireland and previously held senior roles with Engineers Ireland and Bausch & Lomb, one of the world's largest suppliers of eye health products. As industry director with Engineers Ireland, she helped devise and develop the inaugural Engineers Week in 2007, which has become a nationwide, week-long programme of events celebrating the world of engineering. This year's Engineers Week is currently under way (4-10 March 2017) “It's a privilege to lead IT Sligo’s School of Engineering & Design through the next phase of its development and expansion,” said Parsons. “As a former apprentice here, I've a particular affinity with the Institute, its students and its heritage within the engineering and manufacturing sectors. I also have a great interest in the creative sector and, given that the School’s portfolio also includes the Institute’s department of Computing and Creative Practices, I look forward to developing IT Sligo’s contribution to the region’s cultural and creative offering." Welcoming her appointment, Dr Brendan McCormack, President of IT Sligo said: “Úna’s strong background in engineering, manufacturing, education and the creative industries has shown her to be a dynamic and progressive leader with a passion for learning, collaboration and sharing of knowledge and experience. “Úna’s track record of achievement as a leader and motivator stands out. I've no doubt that her drive and passion will help to significantly enhance the national profile of IT Sligo’s School of Engineering & Design right across its wide range of activity covering engineering, architecture, technology, computing and the creative arts.” Úna Parsons is originally from Dublin and lives in Gurteen, County Sligo. She will formally begin her new role in the next few weeks.