KINGSTON, January 4, 2013: Mr. Ian Forbes, Managing Director of Sherwin-Williams (West Indies), is the new Chairman of the board of United Way of Jamaica. He succeeds Mr. Noel daCosta, CD who was Chairman for 5 years. The announcement was made on December 20, at the annual general meeting.
Mr. Forbes who had served for five years as Chairman of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, lauded the outgoing chairman, “for having certainly served with great distinction.
Mr. Forbes joined the Board of United Way of Jamaica in 2003 and in 2009 he became Chairman of the Fundraising Campaign Cabinet. Under his leadership,the Fund-raising Campaign Cabinet mobilized in excess of $384 Million for the private voluntary sector.
In accepting his appointment, Mr. Forbes paused to remember the influence of his parents, the late Carmen Forbes, who was a Scout Mistress and his father Headley Forbes who served scouting for the last 74 years and with over 40 years as Scout Commissioner for Clarendon. His father has also served the St. John Ambulance organization for over 60 years. Mr. Forbes thanked them “for instilling in my siblings and myself from an early age, the importance of service and volunteerism”.
A Jamaica College graduate, Forbes was also educated at Mico University College, University of the West Indies – Mona and University of Technology. He has over 25 years of experience in Sales & Marketing having worked at Grace Kennedy & Company Ltd., Jamaica Biscuit Company and Facey Commodity Limited.
Mr. Forbes is an active member of several clubs and societies. He is Past Vice-President of the Advertisers’ Association of Jamaica (AAJ) and was recently elected as 2nd Vice President of Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association in November 2012. A certified International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) Track & Field Official, he has managed several Jamaican Track & Field Teams to overseas meets. He is also a member of Kingston Cricket Club.
Mr. Forbes is married to Lana and has two (2) daughters, Kimberley and Melissa.