Northumberland County Council finally has a new permanent chief executive after Dr Helen Paterson took up her post.
The former boss at Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, Dr Paterson has said she is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
She arrives as the permanent replacement for Daljit Lally, who left the authority last summer after a six-figure pay-out was agreed by councillors. Rick O'Farrell, who had served as interim CEO following Mrs Lally's departure, left the council this week.
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Dr Paterson brings a wealth of local government experience to the role, having previously served as an executive director at Sunderland City Council and was chief executive of Wrexham County Borough Council.
Speaking about her new role, Helen said: “I’m delighted to have joined Northumberland County Council and I’m looking forward to getting to know this beautiful county better – as well as meeting staff and residents.
“It is a place of great opportunities and I know we have a very good team here working for the benefit of all our communities. This is something I very much want to build on.
“I’d also like to thank Rick O’Farrell for his sterling work as Interim Chief Executive and I know he has left the council in a strong and healthy position as we move forward.”
Council leader Glen Sanderson has previously told his fellow members he believes they will all "like" the new CEO. The former council boss was suspended by Coun Sanderson's predecessor, Coun Peter Jackson in 2020 - but returned to work after Coun Jackson was ousted in a vote of no confidence over the suspension. However, continuing issues at the council led to the publication of the damning Max Caller report after Coun Sanderson insisted on a review of governance.
The report recommended that Mrs Lally and the council go their separate ways, resulting in the agreement of a £209,000 pay-off in July.
Speaking on Dr Paterson's arrival, Coun Sanderson said: "We're very pleased to formally welcome Helen to Northumberland – her skills, experience and in-depth knowledge of local government will bring a real boost to the council and the county.
“We're all looking forward to working together for everyone over the coming years.”
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