Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has appointed a new senior executive to oversee the day-to-day running of the business organisation.

The chamber announced Bridget O’Keeffe, a native of Newmarket, Co Cork and a Killarney resident, as its new chief at its Annual General Meeting on Friday.

She will work closely with events manager Katy Jacobi and the Chamber executive.

This is a new departure for the Chamber but follows other similar moves by commercial bodies across the country.

Friday’s AGM marked Niall Kelleher’s last official engagement as Chamber president.

He will be replaced by hotelier Pádraig Treacy and restaurateur Johnny McGuire who will share the role.

“We have one chance to get this new governance and development plan right at the first opportunity, but we must show a little patience along the way and we must do it properly by making an effort every day of the week,” Mr Kelleher said in his outgoing speech.

“Bringing the Chamber to exactly where the members want it to be will take time. It will take perseverance and it will take hard work, but that work will have to be done – it will be done and we will get there one step at a time.”

GOING FORWARD

Bridget O’Keeffe, who formerly worked with Fexco, has set out a list of objectives for the future.

They include boosting Chamber membership numbers, addressing key issues such as parking, traffic management and public realm developments.

“Going forward, Chamber will also be forming a number of sub-committees to oversee essential areas such as membership and management, brand communication and reputational management, advocacy, events and sustainability,” said a Chamber statement.