Nick Poole has been appointed Director of mda to take over from Louise Smith who left at the end of August.
Mike Houlihan, Chair of mda said, "mda is delighted that Nick will be joining the team. His passion and enthusiasm for objects, combined with his professional expertise and experience in collections management will be key to reinforcing all that has been achieved at mda and towards providing the leadership which will be vital for a successful future."
Nick Poole commented, "mda is one of the sector's most valuable assets, providing a unique focus for expertise and innovation in information and collections management. I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to lead the organisation into the next phase of its history. I look forward to bringing to the role my passion for collections and my commitment to their preservation, management and use as well as my experience in technology, copyright and digital content."
Before his new appointment Nick was Regional Policy Adviser at the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) where his responsibilities involved working with the English Regional Agencies to promote the interests of museums, archives and libraries at regional level. Between 1999 and 2003 Nick was ICT Adviser at Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries (which changed its name to MLA in February 2004).
In his new role, Nick will address the recommendations of the review commissioned by MLA, with particular attention to the business and strategic planning which will define a three year funding agreement with MLA from 2005. Nick's first public appearance as Director will be at mda's 2004 Conference, Valuing Practice, taking place in Durham between 22 and 24 September. Further details are available at www.mda.org.uk/conference2004
