JACKIE Mathers, the dean of York St John University’s Business School, has been appointed to the board of York Professionals.

In her role as head of the city’s first business school, which was launched 18 months ago, Jackie has developed strong links between the university and businesses across Yorkshire, working closely with the business community to deliver support that is helping firms develop and grow. This, according to York Professionals chairman John Yeomans, is exactly why Jackie has so much to offer the group.

He said: “Jackie is incredibly well connected and has done a fantastic job of putting the Business School on the map, both at a local level and internationally.

“Our vision for York Professionals is to continue strengthening awareness of the professional and financial services expertise within the York business community and to provide more opportunities for our members to win business outside the city. The work we’ve done at the Business School over the last 18 months has shown that there’s so much talent in the York business community, and I’m passionate about helping these businesses find ways of developing and growing.”

Jackie is one of four new appointments to the board. The other new directors are York Science Park general manager, Tracey Smith; Venturefest Yorkshire chairman Professor Tony Hardy and Chris Chittock of Dragonfly Acoustics.