Originally from Cork, Susan graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural & Environmental Science degree from UCD in 1999 and has been working across the agricultural banking sector ever since. Susan currently works as an agricultural development manager with Bank of Ireland covering the southeast and midland regions supporting farmers and helping devise and implement the bank’s agri strategy. She was part of the founding committee of Dairy Women Ireland (DWI), sits on the audit sub-committee of the ICBF board and was previously treasurer of the ASA.
Susan comes from a family steeped in agriculture. Her father Philip Maher was also an agricultural science graduate, and a former ASA president in 1998-1999 when Susan was in her final year in college. The new president now lives outside Clonmel, Co. Tipperary with her husband Will and children Robert and Heather, all of whom share a passion for horses and country living.
Taking on her new role, Susan said: “Farming and agriculture are part of my DNA and upbringing. As a child, I notoriously referred to my dad’s profession as an ‘agricultural survivor’ while he was an agri advisor! Indeed those of us working in the industry and as farmers are all agricultural survivors. Agriculture is the most resilient industry in the world and I am very confident that together with scientific advancements and working collaboratively with farmers, industry and consumers that we can overcome any challenges and continue to strengthen our industry. It is the honour of my career to step up to the role of the presidency of the Agricultural Science Association, and I look forward to giving it my all during the year ahead.”
Outgoing ASA president, Niamh Bambrick said: “I hand over the presidency with immense pride and confidence in Susan Maher. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Susan, support her as many past presidents have done for me and celebrate the associations future successes under her leadership.”