Highland Council appoints new chief executive
Highland Council has appointed a new chief executive.
The successful candidate was announced today as Donna Manson, currently service director for children and young people in the Scottish Borders.
Mrs Manson will take up her role following the retirement of current chief executive, Steve Barron.
She started her career in teaching and worked in education in Edinburgh and Fife before going into her current post.
She said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve the public in the Highlands and one of my main priorities is to focus on retaining the talent of our people in their local communities by creating local learning and training opportunities linked to jobs, housing and high quality council services.
“I am ambitious that the council is a strong and visible presence in local areas and viewed to be playing a positive and productive role, working with local businesses, partners and the public for the benefit of both local people and visitors to the Highlands.
"I am confident that the council can thrive and overcome the challenging budget times and I look forward to being out in communities with staff, listening to people within their local area and working together on matters that are important to them.”
Mrs Manson has been a regular visitor to the Highlands for over 30 years as a sailor and hill walker and when visiting family with her husband Drew, who is from Thurso.
She said she is delighted to be ‘’bringing the family home to their roots".
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “I am very pleased and excited to welcome Donna Manson to her new role.
Donna will be an excellent chief executive - she has great energy and experience that will serve Highland very well.
"I know she will work well with our staff and I personally am looking forward to working with her.”