The Agricultural Science Association (ASA) has announced today (Friday, September 6) that Susan Maher will be the association‘s new president.
Originally from Cork, Susan graduated with a degree in agricultural and environmental science from University College Dublin (UCD) in 1999 and has worked across the agricultural banking sector since.
She is currently an agricultural development manager with Bank of Ireland covering the southeast and midlands regions where she works on devising and implementing the bank’s agri strategy.
She was part of the founding committee of Dairy Women Ireland (DWI), sits on the audit sub committee of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) board and was previously treasurer of the ASA.
ASA
Susan’s father Philip Maher was also an agricultural science graduate, and a former ASA president from 1998-1999 when Susan was in her final year in college.
The new ASA president lives outside Clonmel, Co. Tipperary with her husband Will and their children, Robert and Heather.
Commenting on her new position, Susan said that farming and agriculture are part of her DNA and upbringing.
“As a child I notoriously referred to my dad’s profession as an agricultural survivor whilst he was an agri advisor. Indeed, those of us working in the industry and as farmers are all agricultural survivors.
“Agriculture is the most resilient industry in the world and I am very confident that together with scientific advancements and working collaboratively with farmers, industry and consumers that we can overcome any challenges and continue to strengthen our industry.
“It is the honour of my career to step up to the role of the presidency of the Agricultural Science Association, and I look forward to giving it my all during the year ahead,” she said.
Outgoing ASA president Niamh Bambrick said that she was handing over the presidency with “immense pride and confidence in Susan Maher”.
“I look forward to continuing to work along Susan, supporting her as many past presidents have done for me and celebrate the associations future successes under her leadership,” she said.