Colchester Borough Council has announced the appointment of Pam Donnelly as its new Chief Executive.
Pam, currently Strategic Director of Customer and Relationships at the council, will succeed Adrian Pritchard, who is to retire at the end of March after being in the position for more than 17 years.
Pam has been a member of the Executive Team at the council for over 15 years and has previously held senior positions at Anglia Ruskin University and in banking and finance. Pam has a strong track record in senior leadership as Vice Chair of the NE Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, where she is currently overseeing transition arrangements towards a more integrated approach to health and wellbeing between the council and its partners.
As Chief Executive, Pam will lead one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the region through the launch of an ambitious new strategy in April 2022, and beyond.
Pam Donnelly, incoming Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to be succeeding Adrian as the council’s new Chief Executive. It is an honour and a privilege. The task ahead of us is daunting but with the support of colleagues, councillors and partners I know we can steer a clear path through the current pandemic and the uncertainty that creates for us all.
“Colchester is a great place to live and work, and I am confident that together we can make it even greater.”
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Pam has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Colchester Borough Council. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this post, with an outstanding track record working for the borough. I know that her extensive experience and her drive, determination and care are exactly what we need to build on the solid foundations Adrian leaves behind and steer the council through the pandemic period and beyond. Replacing Adrian was never going to be an easy task, but with Pam’s appointment, I know the borough will be in very safe and capable hands.”
Adrian Pritchard said: “Pam has been one of the council's strategic directors since 2006 and has played a major part in our work in communities and our response, with many partners, to the Covid global pandemic. Pam is vastly experienced in the work of the council and in the issues, challenges and opportunities across the borough. The council is in very good hands, with Pam as my successor.”
The appointment of the new Chief Executive was ratified at a special socially distanced meeting of the Full Council, in Moot Hall, last night (20 December 2021).
Page last reviewed: 21 December 2021