The turmoil is continuing on the PIAA with president Ross Black resigning just 16 days after taking over from ex-president David Leach, and just a day after CEO Jason Allen’s shock departure. Only a day prior to his departure, Black issued a strong defence of the PIAA in a letter addressed to members, calling on them to throw their support behind the Board. Black took over as president just over two weeks ago following the dramatic departure of then president David Leach, who resigned due to the personal abuse he was copping from irate members. Black is the fourth member of the nine person Board to resign in the last ten weeks, with Susan Heaney and Stephen Edwards also going. The Board have stated their ‘great disappointment’ in Black’s decision to leave his position as president and director, also confirming deputy president Kieran May will be elevated into the acting president role until further notice.
Ross Black (left) will be replaced by Kieran May (right)
Black cites ‘competing priorities’ for his departure and is choosing to focus on his role as commercial manager at paper merchant, BJ Ball. He says, “I would like to thank all of you who have supported me and wish the PIAA well through this difficult period. This is not a decision that I have come to easily, and I wish the very best for the Association.” Commenting on Black’s exit, PIAA interim CEO Bill Healey says, “We are saddened by the circumstances that have led to Ross Black’s resignation however we wish him well. As an Association our focus must remain on continuing to implement our business plan and work towards finishing off a strong 2015-16 year.” In yesterday’s letter to members Black also defended the staff movements, and highlighted the positive financial results, and the record numbers of new members joining as evidence the Board was moving the Association in the right direction Black also took the opportunity to encourage members to participate in the PIAA’s upcoming SGM, asking members to focus on “the many successes that we have had in the past year.”
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