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Belfast Healthy Cities

Our vision is that Belfast is recognised globally
as a healthy, equitable and sustainable city

Healthy Cities 21st Century

Belfast Healthy Cities New Board Appointments

The World Health Organization initiative in Belfast, Belfast Healthy Cities, has appointed a new Chairman, Dr David Stewart and two new Board members, Danny McQuillan and Michael Gibbs.

The appointment of David as Chairman marks his return to Belfast Health Cities as he was previously a Director of the organisation between 1996 - 2007, and Chairman for 3 years during that period.  David was the Medical Director of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) from 2007 until he retired in September 2016 and is a former Director of Public Health for the old Eastern Health and Social Care Board. David is a graduate of Queen’s University medical school and a Fellow of the Royal College of Public Health.

Danny McQuillan is Director of Services with Extern and is a former Director of Positive Life - Northern Ireland's only voluntary sector organisation providing dedicated support to all people affected by HIV. Danny graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in Politics and Social Policy, and has also previously worked with Multiple Sclerosis Society NI and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Michael Gibbs is the Director of Healthcare and the Public Sector at Different Tracks Global Ltd, a consulting and training company specialising in leadership development, long-term financial management, conflict management and executive coaching.

Michael graduated from Harvard in 1989 and has worked in a number of consultancy and community leadership roles in the USA, Australia and Zanzibar including a position with the World Health Organization. Michael also serves as a mediator in international and domestic issues including civil and employment disputes.

Joan Devlin, Chief Executive of Belfast Healthy Cities welcomed the new Board appointments and paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Nigel McMahon.

“We are fortunate to have such experienced and expert representatives in the position of Chairperson right since the formation of Belfast Healthy Cities almost 30 years ago. Nigel McMahon steered the organisation through the transition from World Health Organization Phase V programme of activity into Phase VI, which will take us up to 2018. We thank Nigel for his huge contribution and commitment during the last 3 years.

“Along with Michael and Danny, David brings a unique insight into the work of Belfast Healthy Cities as we advance the WHO agenda locally and in partnership with other Healthy Cities  across the UK, Ireland and Europe. The Board now has a depth of experience, internationally and at home, which will be enormously helpful during the challenging and exciting period ahead. Along with all of the staff team I look forward to working with David and the Board of Directors in the months and years ahead.”

Dr Stewart said “I am delighted to be involved with the work of Belfast Healthy Cities again. The partnership has been making a major contribution for nearly 30 years to improving the health and well-being of the population of Belfast. I am looking  forward to this role continuing in the next phase of the World Health Organization Healthy Cities Network in Europe”