Community Trust South has today announced the appointment of Penny Simmonds as its new chairwoman.

Simmonds succeeds Margot Hishon in the role. Lindsay Wright will remain as the deputy chairman. 

Mr Wright said the board agreed Ms Simmonds had the right skills and experience to lead Community Trust South.

"Her governance expertise, strong leadership and commitment will serve the board and the community well,” he said.

Ms Simmonds said it was a "real honour" to be able to lead the Community Trust South board as its continued to work with community groups and organisations who enabled growth and progress in the south.

"I am committed to the economic, social and cultural development of our community, and passionate about this very special part of the world we live in,” she said. 

Ms Simmonds has served on the Community Trust South board since 2012 and, along with Richard Wason, is the longest serving trustee. As well as being the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) chief executive for 22 years, Simmonds has held positions on the board of Hockey Southland including past chair, is also past president of Hockey New Zealand, has had significant involvement with the Southland Regional Development Strategy and governance experience across a range of community organisations. 

In 2015 she was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, recognising her service to education, sport and community in Southland. 

The positions of chairman and deputy chairman are elected by the trustees on a two-yearly basis.