Tribute to former NIFRS chair

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Carmel McKinney OBE who has died after a period of ill health.

Department of Health Latest News image white text on a departmental blue background

Ms McKinney was the first female chair of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Board, serving in the post from 2015 to 2023.

A former school principal, she held a number of other public appointments including Equality Commissioner and membership of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

She received a number of awards in her distinguished career, including the Guardian Public Services Awards for Leadership Excellence in 2017 and the Institute of Directors Non-Executive Director of the Year 2018. She received an OBE in 2008 for services to education.

Mr Nesbitt said: “I was very saddened to hear of Carmel’s passing and would like to express my condolences to her family and friends.

“I served with Carmel on the Policing Board and found her to be very knowledgeable and supportive."

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
2. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Share this page