After retiring from the banking industry in 2008, where he held senior positions in corporate treasury, international banking, trade finance and marketing, Mr McKenna dedicated his career to public service. He has served as Chair of several major organisations, including South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (2008–2019), Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (2014–2019), NI Food Advisory Committee and the Food Standards Agency (2016–2022), as well as Interim Chair of Invest NI (2023–2024).
He has also held a wide range of governance roles, including with the NI Assembly Secretariat, NI Courts and Tribunal Services, the NI Policing Board, and as Independent Board Member and Chair of Audit and Risk Assurance at the Department for the Economy (2017–2023). He is a former Chair of both the NI Public Sector Chairs Forum and the NI Confederation for Health and Social Care (NICON).
Mr McKenna’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Northern Regional College, as the College prepares to formally open its new £55 million Ballymena campus.
Speaking of his appointment, Mr McKenna said, “It is a privilege to take on the role of Interim Chair at such an important time. The new Ballymena campus represents a major investment by the Department for the Economy in skills, education and the future prosperity of this region. I look forward to working with the Governing Body, staff and students to ensure the College continues to deliver the highest quality education and training.”
Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, welcomed the appointment, “I am delighted to welcome Colm as Interim Chair. He brings with him an exceptional track record of leadership and governance in Northern Ireland’s public sector, and his experience will be invaluable. This is a truly exciting time for the College, our students and the wider community, and I look forward to working with Colm to deliver our ambitious plans for the future.”