There’s a new hand on the tiller at Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Dawn Roberts described taking on the role of chief executive as a “huge honour”.
Cumbria County Council’s former executive director for corporate, customer and community services was appointed to the role in April but didn’t officially start until July 11.
She follows in the footsteps of Gavin Stevenson, who retired in December. The council’s communities director, Derek Crichton, had been acting as interim chief executive.
Ms Roberts said: “Being appointed chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council is a huge honour. This is an extremely important job, which will be full of challenges and opportunities, and I am delighted to have started in the role.
“My initial focus will be on supporting the new council, investing in relationships and beginning to understand the opportunities that the next five years present for the region.
“Dumfries and Galloway is a place like no other and, working with elected members, staff and communities, I plan to focus on enhancing the lives of those living across our many communities.
“What distinguishes Dumfries and Galloway is the quality of life it can offer, the environment, the communities and the organisations that base themselves here.
“But most of all, it’s the people and their wellfounded pride in this unique area.
“Understanding how, with council and citizens working together, we can build on what has gone before, creating the conditions for success to enable the priorities of the council to be achieved and the delivery of value-for-money services for the people who live in, work in and visit this wonderful region. I am thrilled to be here and am really looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.”