The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has appointed Paul O’Toole as interim CEO of the organisation, replacing Dr Graham Love, who stepped down amid frustration over the autonomy the organisation had to make decisions.
O’Toole will serve as interim CEO for one year, during which time he will assist with the recruitment of a permanent CEO of the organisation. He will also work on implementation the new HEA strategy.
O’Toole will take on the position after the departure of Love, who will leave the HEA later this month. O’Toole recently served as CEO of Solas, a state agency that supports further education and skills. He has also served as the CEO of Fás and Tourism Ireland.
Love resigned just over a year and a half after taking on the role. His resignation came amid frustration over the level of control the Department of Education had over the running of the organisation.
In a press statement released at the time, Love said: “The HEA makes a valuable contribution to higher education in Ireland. In my brief tenure, I have endeavoured to make strategic development a core element of HEA activities. I wish the organisation every success in the future.”
In a press statement, the Chairperson of the HEA, Michael Horgan, said: “I am delighted and grateful to Paul for agreeing to take on this role and assisting the HEA during this transition period. Paul’s knowledge of the education and training sectors will be of great value and I very much look forward to working with him.”
