Ref: PR1774
Date: 13/05/08
Joanne Roney, Executive Director for Neighbourhoods and Community Care at Sheffield City Council, has been appointed as Wakefield Council's new Chief Executive. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Council's annual general meeting on Thursday, May 15.
Ms Roney has been at Sheffield since 1999, starting as Executive Director for Housing and Direct Services in October 1999. Her present role includes responsibility for housing market strategy and investment, neighbourhood regeneration, community engagement and area working, community safety and adult community care services.
She said: "I am delighted to be joining Wakefield as the Council's new Chief Executive. During the recruitment process I was very impressed both by what I saw and the people I met. The Council clearly has a very committed workforce, and I am looking forward to working with them to provide high quality services for the people of Wakefield.
"I've enjoyed my time in Sheffield, but the chance to work in Wakefield was clearly too good an opportunity to miss, and I can't wait to get started."
Council Leader Cllr Peter Box said: "I am really pleased to welcome Joanne to the Council. She brings a wealth of experience which will help us to take forward our priorities of safer and stronger communities, skills, enterprise and work and healthier communities.
"She joins the Council at an exciting and challenging time when we are seeing major regeneration projects coming to fruition. I am looking forward to working with her, building on our successes and taking the Council to new heights."
Ms Roney, 46, is on the Board of Transform South Yorkshire, the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and was Chair of Chartered Institute of Housing Policy Board 2004-2006. She is a Board member for Burngreave New Deal for Communities and a member of the Government's Migration Impact Forum.
Ms Roney replaces John Foster, who left Wakefield after five years to pursue new interests. Corporate Director John Pitt is continuing as interim Head of Paid Service until Ms Roney starts her new job later this summer.
ENDS
