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Council chief with housing background in line for Manchester top job
A council chief executive with a background in housing has been put forward for the top job at Manchester City Council.
Joanne Roney, who is chief executive at Wakefield District Council, has been selected following an interview process and her appointment could be signed off at a council meeting on 14 December.
The new chief executive will replace Sir Howard Bernstein, who is retiring next year after a 45-year career at Manchester City Council working his way up through the ranks.
Manchester is leading the way with its devolution deal and has ambitious housing plans in partnership with councils in Greater Manchester to build 227,200 homes, including green belt development.
Ms Roney has been chief executive at Wakefield since 2008. She previously worked as director of housing at Kirklees Council and executive director with responsibility for housing, communities and adult care services at Sheffield City Council.
She was awarded an OBE for services to local government in 2009.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: ?We were hugely impressed at interview by Joanne?s drive, strategic vision and determination to ensure that all Manchester residents can be part of the city?s success story.?
Ms Roney said: ?I?m honoured to be in line for this prestigious role and looking forward to building on the legacy created by Sir Howard and playing my part, alongside Sir Richard and the wider team, in shaping the next phase of Manchester and Greater Manchester?s journey.??
The new chief executive is expected to start in post in spring 2017.
