KCETB Chief Executive Eileen Curtis retires
Chief Executive of Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board Eileen Curtis marked her retirement this week, celebrating 38 years in Kilkenny and Carlow.
At an event held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel on Thursday night (8 May), current staff employed at KCETB, Board members and retired colleagues and friends came together to honour Eileen’s contributions, her guidance, her support and assistance over the past six years as Chief Executive.
Eileen Curtis spent the first years of her career working in Waterford; specifically working with young people and adults before moving to County Kilkenny VEC in March 1987 as Adult Education Officer (AEO).
During Eileen’s time as AEO, she was active within the Adult Education Organiser’s Association growing support and professional development for newer AEOs. She became acting Chief Executive of County Kilkenny VEC in 2011. As Acting CE of Kilkenny VEC Eileen was core to the amalgamation of Kilkenny and Carlow VECs and implementing the duties and asks of the Education and Training Act in 2013, working closely with Chief Executive Cynthia Deane, before becoming CE of KCETB herself in 2019.
Speaking on the night Councillor Andrea Dalton, chairperson of KCETB Board said:
“Eileen has the unique combination of being both visionary and wise, my experience of you is that you always had a wise word and a listening ear for everyone. Over the years as Board members, we couldn’t but notice your regard for your team and like any good educator, you always took the opportunity to highlight and affirm achievements of both students/learners and staff.”
“We thank you for always balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the organisation. You have ably represented and promoted the work of our ETB both locally, regionally and nationally and became a commanding and respected voice for education and training. On my own behalf and on behalf of everyone in Kilkenny and Carlow ETB, I would like to thank you for your support, your good humour, your tireless work on behalf of Kilkenny and Carlow ETB and Co. Kilkenny VEC over the last 40 years.”
Speaking on her retirement Eileen Curtis said:
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to witness the dedication, passion and enthusiasm of so many wonderful staff and students. Together, we have endeavoured to create an environment which fosters growth and learning for all, with the aim of empowering each individual to reach their full potential and Flourish through Learning. We in Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board believe that learning has the power to change lives and build communities, and over the years, I have had the opportunity to see the impact of your hard work and commitment on countless lives.”
“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together as an organisation and the strides we have taken to enhance education and training in Kilkenny and Carlow. Your creativity and resilience has been crucial to our successes, and I am privileged to have worked with such a wonderful team.”
“As I begin retirement, I will cherish the memories of our shared achievements and the relationships we have built. I am confident that Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board will continue to thrive and develop as this work is built upon in the years ahead.”
Pauline Egan, Chief Executive, acting spoke of Eileen’s qualities in management:
“Over your time with us, Eileen your educational vision was to shape and mould the work of the ETB. It was a vision which prevailed in a period of considerable change and challenge and your achievements were all the greater when considered in that context.”
“The role of leadership rested easily on your shoulders as you led and directed the work of the ETB. As we reflect on these years, we can truly say that we have all benefited from the tone which you set for this ETB. As a staff we are appreciative not only of the work that you have done but also of the support which you gave to all of us in our day-to-day work, no matter what our role in the organisation.”
“We want to thank you Eileen for your legacy of Excellence, but most especially we thank you for being our leader, our role model, our mentor, our colleague and our friend.”
Martha Bolger, Director of Further Education and Training spoke of Eileen’s career, joining County Kilkenny VEC in 1987:
“I, like my colleagues in Further Education and Training, have benefitted enormously from the depth and breadth of Eileen’s knowledge, her dedication and commitment to Kilkenny VEC and Kilkenny and Carlow ETB.”
“Eileen’s work extended further than the formal services of the VEC. Growth with and through other initiatives and extending the VEC reach into community organisations that needed support, and governance saw Eileen instrumental in the development of KCAN in Kilkenny and CDCD in Castlecomer, ensuring that those most marginalised were included in the community development and educational measures where the impacts would be long lasting.”
“Eileen didn’t just steer the ship, she kept us away from the choppy waters and always kept the focus on the learning, the teaching and the outcome for the learner.”
With music provided by Music Generation Carlow, Tyndall College and Borris College guests were treated to the wealth of talent that abounds across KCETB schools and education programmes.
