Trust pays tribute to chair after unexpected death

The chair of a major trust in the North West has died at the age of 72. 

Michael Luger, Northern Care Alliance Foundation Trust chair, died last week, according to a trust statement issued on Monday.

In its statement, the trust said it was “shocked and saddened” by Professor Luger’s “unexpected” death.

He joined the trust’s board as chair in January 2021, having previously been chair of Airedale FT, and served as a director on the boards of several private and public organisations, including the Office of Rail and Road.

Prior to this, he spent 25 years in academia. He held the title of professor emeritus at Manchester University.

Professor Luger was originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where his funeral will be held. His family want to arrange a memorial in the UK in due course, according to the head of Manchester University’s business school.

In a message to staff, NCA’s chief executive Owen Williams said: “This is obviously a huge shock and as we come to terms with this news our thoughts and condolences are with his wife and family.

“Michael joined the NCA in January 2021 and played an integral role in our journey to formally becoming our single trust in October 2021.

”He brought to us the extensive knowledge and experience that he accumulated over his long career working in higher education, international governments and industry.”

NCA’s vice chair Chris Myers will step into the role of chair “over the coming months,” the trust said.