Northumberland County Council is pleased to announce a recommended appointment for a new Chief Executive of the Council.  
 

Dr Helen Paterson is currently at Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, where she has been Chief Executive since 2017. 
 

Helen was Executive Director of Children’s Services in Sunderland for five years before becoming Strategic Director for Transformation, leading the council’s business transformation, efficiency and improvement work.  
 

She joined Walsall after being Chief Executive at Wrexham County Borough Council for six years. 
 

Helen is currently Secretary of the Association of Black Country Authorities and Black Country Executive Joint Committee and Chair of West Midlands Metropolitan Chief Executives Group. 
 

Council leader Cllr Glen Sanderson said: "We're looking forward to welcoming Helen as our new Chief Executive, subject to full council approval. 
 

“Helen stood out as our first choice among a very strong field of candidates. She brings with her a wealth of skills, experience and an in-depth knowledge of local government and shares our vision to take Northumberland forward over the coming years." 
 

Her formal appointment needs to be confirmed at a full council meeting next month following an interview and selection process overseen by a cross-party group of councillors and senior officers.