The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has announced the election of its new chair, at a Board meeting following its AGM on Wednesday.

Gerry O’Sullivan takes over from Steve Delaney who has served as chair since August 2014.

Mr Delaney, a Board member of Grampian Housing Association, will continue as a Board director of the SFHA.

He said: “As someone who grew up in social housing, the opportunity to serve as chair of the SFHA has truly been an honour and a privilege beyond what I could have imagined. It was an opportunity to give something back to society, and there was, certainly, never a dull moment, nor one without challenges, over the past three years.

“I warmly welcome Gerry O’Sullivan’s election as my successor, someone who will be a strong leader for the sector in the coming months and years. Gerry has already served on our Board for three years and chaired our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for two of those.

“Gerry’s dedication and commitment since joining the SFHA Board has been second to none, I and wish him well for the future, knowing he will make his mark on both the SFHA and the sector as we open a new chapter in our history.”

Prior to his retirement, Gerry O’Sullivan worked for over 30 years in social housing at Glasgow City Council and at Glasgow Housing Association. Mr O’Sullivan is a Board member and former chair at Bield Housing and Care.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “I am delighted to have been elected chair of the SFHA. I would like to thank Steve Delaney for his service and dedication to SFHA over the past three years.

“I look forward to working with our new chief executive, Sally Thomas, and SFHA Board directors and staff, to lead the sector through the challenges the coming years will bring.”

Sally Thomas, SFHA chief executive, said: “Steve has helped to lead the SFHA during periods of change and challenge and has brought to the role of chair, huge commitment and dedication – and I’d like to thank him on behalf of the federation for his tenure.

“I look forward to working with Gerry as we continue to lead and support our members, enabling them to provide the housing that the people of Scotland need and deserve.”

At the same Board meeting, it was also announced that Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing Association, will continue as vice chair of the SFHA.