Cheshire East confirms chief executive appointment

Lorraine O’Donnell will join at the end of March from her previous role as director of transformation and partnerships at Durham County Council.

CEC’s cross-party staffing committee recommended O’Donnell as its preferred candidate “following an extensive recruitment process”, according to the council.

O’Donnell replaces acting chief executive Kath O’Dwyer who quit in December to take on a role at St Helens, just as she was on the cusp of being voted into the Cheshire East position permanently by the staffing committee.

She has more than 25 years’ experience working in local authorities. At Durham she was part of the corporate management team which led the major reorganisation of the council into a unitary authority.

Frank Jordan, executive director for place and deputy chief executive, has been acting chief executive and will remain in that post until 29 March.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “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.”