West Dunbartonshire Council’s chief executive is stepping down this summer after being at the helm for more than a decade.
Joyce White made her announcement yesterday and says she will be moving on to focus on other interests, including coaching and mentoring.
She joined the local authority in 2008 as executive director of corporate services before taking on the top job in 2011.
She said: “I was motivated to join the public sector because I wanted to help make a difference to people’s lives and I am so proud of all that we have achieved since then.
“It has been a difficult decision to move on from a job, an organisation and an area I care so much about, but it is now time for me to progress my other plans including continuing my with coaching and mentoring.
“I am hugely grateful for the opportunities I have had with this council and I look forward to its next chapter with the local government elections in May and the appointment of a new chief executive who will continue the journey of ensuring West Dunbartonshire is a great place to live, work, learn and visit.”
In 2018, she was awarded an OBE for her services to local government, further education and girlguiding.
Following her departure, she will focus on her own business pursuits including coaching, mentoring and mediations, non-executive roles, including with charities Youthlink Scotland and Inspiring Scotland, as well spending more time with her loved ones.
Council leader Jonathan McColl said: “Joyce has been an exceptional chief executive with unfailing dedication to West Dunbartonshire Council and the communities it serves.
“During my time working with her she has always gone above and beyond what is expected, and her strength, determination and enthusiasm in an increasingly demanding environment has always been greatly appreciated.
“On behalf of all elected members I would like to wish her well in her future endeavours.”
Councillor Martin Rooney, leader of the Labour Group, added: “During her time with West Dunbartonshire Council Joyce has shown that she is a capable, trustworthy and inspiring leader and it has been a pleasure to work with her to deliver change and transformation to the communities we serve.
“I’d like to thank Joyce for all her hard work over the past 10 years and the legacy she leaves behind in West Dunbartonshire.”
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie passed on her best wishes, commenting: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Joyce White the best for the future as she steps down as West Dunbartonshire Council’s chief executive.
“This has been a particularly challenging role, especially during the Covid pandemic, and I commend her on her leadership of thecCouncil.
“I look forward to continuing this work with her successor for the benefit of the community of West Dunbartonshire.”
The recruitment process to appoint a new chief executive will begin in the coming weeks.
