New chief executive for Cheshire East Council

Cheshire East Council has formally appointed Lorraine O’Donnell as the new chief executive, following an extensive recruitment process.

Lorraine O’Donnell was recommended by the council’s cross-party staffing committee as their preferred candidate.

Ms O’Donnell has over 25 years experience working in local authorities, most recently at Durham County Council where she was Director of Transformation and Partnerships. Lorraine was part of the corporate management team at Durham that led the council through Local Government Reorganisation and on to become Council of the Year in 2014.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran said of the appointment of the new Chief Executive:

I would like to welcome Lorraine to Cheshire East Council and look forward to welcoming her to our beautiful borough.

“Lorraine brings valuable experience, skills and new perspectives that will help us to transform the council and continue to deliver for our residents. 

“We have an ambitious programme ahead to improve the environment, economy, health outcomes and opportunities for everyone in Cheshire East and I am sure that Lorraine will help us in delivering that.”   

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Craig Browne said:

Cheshire East, as a borough and as a council, has enormous potential and I look forward to working with Lorraine to achieve that potential. Lorraine will play a vital role in leading the council’s staff and in building on our relationships with key partners in business, health and other public services.

“We have a high-performing economy and want to ensure we have a high-performing council to match.”   

Lorraine O’Donnell said:

I am delighted to be joining Cheshire East Council as chief executive.  This is a really exciting time to be joining the council and I am looking forward to working with elected members, staff and partners to serve residents and communities.”

Lorraine O’Donnell will start her role at the council from 30th March.

Cheshire East Council has also appointed Frank Jordan , its Executive Director for Place and Deputy Chief Executive, as Acting Chief Executive to cover the period following Kath O’Dwyer’s departure from the council between 9th March and 29th March.