THE Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland has appointed Jim McCooe as its first patron to continue to foster close links between the business community and the third sector.
The Portadown man, who holds a senior leadership role in Lloyds Banking Group in the north, has been a key supporter of the Foundation for 11 years and is a strong advocate for the grant funding body’s work with grass roots organisations helping the most vulnerable in society.
He said: “I speak regularly to politicians and business leaders about the need to help disadvantaged communities and my new role will help cement relations between decision makers and the third sector.”
Brenda McMullan, the Foundation’s executive director, said: “Jim shares our passion to support our grantees not just financially, but strategically.
“He was instrumental in helping the Foundation to tap into the skills and expertise that exist in Lloyds Banking Group and connecting colleagues with the community and voluntary sector.”
Mr McCooe has been employed by the bank for almost 35 years, beginning his career as a cashier with Halifax Building Society.
He is also currently head of customer contact for Lloyds Banking Group in Belfast and a member of its national Senior Leadership Group. In 2010 he joined the Foundation as a trustee.
The Halifax Foundation (www.halifaxfoundationni.org) is entirely funded by an annual donation from Lloyds Banking Group, and over the past 35 years it has given £39 million to charities in Northern Ireland.
