The boss of a software engineering firm is to take over as chairman of a charity aimed at helping young people establish a career in IT.

Sandra DeSilva has been appointed to head the Technology Leadership Forum (TLF), replacing Dion Tucker, who has been in charge of the TLF for seven years.

She said: “I’m honoured to be working with the next generation of technology enthusiasts and trust they will be guided by our industry professionals dedicating their expertise to the TLF programme in our pursuit to encourage these students to excellence.”

Ms DeSilva is founder, managing director and chief software architect at Nova, a Bermuda-based software engineering company specialising in the insurance and reinsurance and financial services markets.

She is also founder and president of the Bermuda. NET User Group — a not-for-profit organisation set up to provide free education and networking for people in the software industry.

In addition, Ms DeSilva is an executive council member of the Bermuda Insurance Institute and part of the core organising committee.

She also serves on a number of Government boards relating to business.

TLF programme coordinator Coral Wells thanked Mr Tucker for his service to TLF.

Mr Tucker said: “It’s been very rewarding working alongside a team of energetic and enthusiastic professionals who gave unselfishly and tirelessly to ensure the organisation is a success.

“While we always talk about how much students benefit from the TLF programme, interacting with the students throughout the years has enriched me both personally and professionally.”

For more information on TLF, visit www.TLF.bm.