Skål International has elected Annette Cardenas from Panama as its President-Elect, making her the first Latina to hold this position in the organization’s 90-year history.
This significant milestone aligns with Skål International’s adoption of a new governance model, which was implemented following the vision of former President Burcin Turkkan and extensive collaboration with Skål leaders worldwide.
The new governance structure expands the Executive Board from 6 to 14 members, marking a substantial shift in the organization’s leadership approach and commitment to diversity.
Ms Cardenas will focus on her theme for 2024, “Building Bridges in the New Era of Skål,” aiming to strengthen connections and foster greater collaboration among Skål members across continents.
Ireland has provided three world presidents of Skal, the legendary director of Bord Fáilte Joe Malone in 1970-1971, Michael O´Flynn from Cork in 1981-1982 and Mary Bennett from Galway in 2002-2003.
