New members appointed to the Accounts Commission for Scotland

Andrew Cowie has 30 years’ experience in the public sector, having served as a police officer in rural, remote island and urban areas. He was a Chief Officer for 7 years before retiring in 2018 and completed almost three years as Deputy to HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland. Andrew is experienced in leadership, governance, community planning and scrutiny with the wellbeing of the communities as a key goal.

Andrew Burns has a professional background in both retail and manufacturing. He is a member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Andrew was elected to The City of Edinburgh council in 1999 and remained on the council until May 2017. He was City of Edinburgh Council Leader from May 2012 until May 2017 when he stood down from elected office. Andrew was recently appointed as Convener of The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Sharon O’Connor is the Chair of the Education Authority in Northern Ireland, she is also a member of the National Oversight and Audit Commission in the Republic of Ireland. Sharon is a chartered Director with over 25 years’ experience, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel Development and is also professionally qualified in Marketing. With a background in business, she joined local government in 2000 and was named Public Sector Director of the year in 2009/10 by the Institute of Directors NI.

The appointments will be for four years.

Andrew Cowie and Andrew Burns appointment will run from 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2022.

Sharon O’Connor’s appointment will run from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2022 and

Christine Lester will run from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022.