Cormac Fitzgerald, a chartered accountant and SME specialist at Kinsale-based accounting firm Fitzgerald & Partners, has been appointed to the board and national council of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association (ISME). Founded in 1993, ISME is a non-profit organisation representing more than 10,500 members nationwide.

Echo Live reported that Fitzgerald is recognised for his specialist focus on the SME sector, advising owner-managed businesses on taxation, corporate governance, restructuring, and strategic growth over 26 years.

A fellow of Chartered Accountants, Fitzgerald is a past president of CPA Ireland and currently serves as president of Kinsale Lions Club and on the Cork University Hospital Charity finance committee. In 2021, he co-authored with economist Jim Power “Smart Tips for SMEs – Understanding the SME Environment in an Irish Context,” providing practical guidance to Irish businesses during the COVID-19 period.

Cormac Fitzgerald said: "My professional focus has been on supporting SMEs, and I look forward to contributing to ISME's work in advocating for practical policies and strong supports for small and medium-sized businesses."

The appointment strengthens ISME's governance structure by adding specialist expertise in SME financial management, taxation, and corporate governance. Board members of business associations typically contribute to strategic direction, policy development, and member advocacy whilst ensuring organisational governance standards are maintained.

ISME represents small and medium-sized enterprises across Ireland, advocating for policy changes, providing business support services, and facilitating networking amongst members. The organisation works to influence government policy affecting the SME sector whilst providing practical resources supporting business growth and sustainability.

Fitzgerald's appointment demonstrates how business associations leverage sector specialists on governance boards to ensure policy advocacy and member services remain aligned with the practical challenges facing owner-managed businesses.

Read how ISME is strengthening its governance structure through specialist board appointments.