Local Ballymoney man, Mr Gordon Smyth, Is to receive the British Empire medal as part of the New Year’s Honours list.
Having joined one of Northern Ireland banks in May 1977 straight from school, Gordon has spent most of his life in the banking sector, firstly starting his career at branch level and eventually spending the last seven years working in the bank’s regional office at a management level.
Having left the bank in August 2012, Gordon continues to work at a senior level in both the voluntary and public sectors.
His appointments have included the Chief Executive of the Ulster Federation of Credit Unions. Non-executive director of the Belfast health and social care trust and a non-executive director of the Northern Ireland Fire and rescue service.
Paying tribute to Gordon on receiving a BEM, North Antrim DUP MLA and former member of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority, Mervyn Storey said: “It is always an honour to be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in this way.
“I congratulate Gordon on being named in this years Queens Honours list.
“He has been a dedicated member of the Board of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and has given diligent commitment to its work and to the community it serves.
“Knowing Gordon he will see this as a recognition of the men and women of the NIFRS rather than for him personally.
“I congratulate him on this well deserved honour. And thank Gordon, his colleagues on the Board and all associated with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service for the invaluable service they give to us all.”
