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Tributes paid to ‘good Samaritan’ and ‘dear friend’ after former Northern Irish boss passes away
Tributes have been paid to Clare McCarty, former chief executive of Clanmil Housing, after the landlord revealed her passing this week.
Tributes paid to 'good Samaritan' and 'dear friend' after former Northern Irish boss passes away #UKhousingTributes have been paid to Clare McCarty, former chief executive of Clanmil Housing, after the landlord revealed her passing this weekMs McCarty has been described by her former colleagues and landlord from across Northern Ireland as a “dear friend” and “good Samaritan” after Clanmil revealed the news of her death in a statement on social media.
She stepped down from the chief executive role at the end of 2021 after leading the landlord since 1984 when it was known as Royal British Legion Housing Association.
During her time in the top job, Ms McCarty oversaw Clanmil’s merger with Dungannon and District Housing Association in 2011, followed by Hearth Housing Association in 2016.
She also presided over Clanmil’s response to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, a year when the association was responsible for nearly 20% of all social homes built in Northern Ireland.
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Ms McCarty was awarded an OBE for services to social housing in Northern Ireland in 2007 and was elected as the first female chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Northern Ireland.
From 2001 to 2003, she also served as Northern Ireland chair at the Chartered Institute for Housing.
Carol McTaggart, chief executive of Clanmil, told Inside Housing: “We are deeply saddened by the news today of Clare’s death. She was one of life’s good samaritans whose humanity transcended both her personal and professional life.
“Clare was highly respected within the UK housing sector, and she spent her entire career focusing on making life better for people in greatest need.
“Her uncompromising belief that everyone should have a great home and support to be their best, encouraged and inspired many in their housing careers.
“Clare’s courage and ambition saw Clanmil go from strength to strength under her 37-year leadership and I really valued her continued support when I took over as group chief executive in January 2022.
“For many of us at Clanmil, Clare was not just a long-time colleague, but also a dear friend and we are devastated by her passing.
“Our thoughts are with Clare’s family at this difficult time and with all throughout our sector who had the privilege of knowing Clare and experiencing her passion for people and good homes.”
Ms McCarty was also a board member at the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA).
It said “our members are deeply saddened by [the] news on the passing of the much-loved Clare McCarty”.
NIFHA added: “Clare was a dedicated and highly respected leader within the social housing sector here in Northern Ireland and was chief executive of our member Clanmil Housing Group since 1984 until her retirement in 2021.
“During this time, Clare oversaw the delivery of nearly 5,500 new homes across Northern Ireland, providing homes for over 10,000 people.
“Clare was also a much valued and cherished board member of NIFHA, joining our board in 2015 until her retirement in 2021.
“Many people in our sector, along with friends and family of Clare, are heartbroken today, but we take comfort in the fact that she has left a lasting legacy in the social housing sector and contributed to so many positive outcomes to communities and people right across Northern Ireland.”
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