Dr Helen Paterson, the new Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council

New Chief Executive formally approved

A new Chief Executive for Northumberland County Council has been formally approved. 

A meeting of Full Council agreed the appointment of Dr Helen Paterson, currently Chief Executive at Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. 

Helen was Executive Director of Children’s Services in Sunderland for five years before becoming Strategic Director for Transformation. 

She joined Walsall in 2017 after being Chief Executive at Wrexham County Borough Council for six years. 

Helen’s appointment was recommended last month following an interview and selection process overseen by a cross-party group of councillors and senior officers. 

It has now been formally agreed by both the Council’s Staff and Appointments Committee and a meeting of Full Council. 

Council leader Cllr Glen Sanderson said: "We're delighted to have formally agreed Helen’s appointment – her skills, experience and in-depth knowledge of local government will be fantastic for both the council and the county. 

“I’m sure I speak for every councillor and member of staff when I say how much we’re looking forward to Helen joining us next year.” 

Helen said: “I’m grateful to members for confirming my appointment and am looking forward to joining Northumberland County Council in the Spring. 

“It is a place of great opportunities and it’s clear from my short time spent with members and officers that the council has a very good team here working for the benefit of all its residents. 

“I am looking forward to the new challenges, getting to know better this beautiful county and helping to ensure we deliver for our residents, businesses and partners.”

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