BREAKING | Derek Scanlon steps down as CEO of Longford disability service provider St Christopher’s Services

Derek Scanlon has stepped down as CEO of Longford disability service provider St Christopher’s Services. 

Mr Scanlon commented on his decision, “I have decided to step away from my role as CEO with St Christopher’s as I have fought for proper funding for the Service for the past seven years that battle needs new energy at this stage. I will miss each and every Service User.”

The Board of St Christopher’s Services ,made the announcement today (Saturday, June 8) that Derek Scanlon, who has served as CEO of the organisation since July 2017, has decided to step down from his post.

St Christopher’s will now seek to appoint a new CEO to fill Mr Scanlon’s shoes. The competition for a successor is expected to begin soon.

Also read: Palpable fear as Longford's St Christopher’s running a €4.4 million deficit

The Board of Directors of St Christopher’s stated, “The entire Board of St Christopher’s are very sorry to see Derek go at this juncture in his tenure as CEO, but we fully understand his reasons for making this decision.

"Derek has always fought from his first day in the post to ensure increased funding for our Service and for the enhancement of the lives of the Service Users, that we serve. His contribution to the Service will be long remembered.

"Derek’s contribution to St Christopher’s has been enormous. Derek was also instrumental in securing wage increases for employees in 2021 that had seen no pay rises since 2013.

"His legacy as a talented and energetic campaigner for St Christopher’s and disabilities in Ireland is to be admired and the new facilities that he has helped develop for day and residential services are considered state of the art and amongst the best in Ireland.

"We appreciate and acknowledge all of his efforts and hard work and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

Also read: WRC talks yield possible end to pay dispute at Longford's St Christopher’s Services