Inverclyde Council has appointed Louise Long as the authority’s new Chief Executive.
She replaces current Chief Executive, Aubrey Fawcett, who is set to retire from the council in September after five years in the job.
Ms Long is currently Chief Officer for Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB) and Corporate Director of Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) at Inverclyde Council, roles she has held since May 2017.
Prior to this, she was Head of Children, Families and Justice, and Chief Social Work Officer at Argyll and Bute Council, where she previously held the role of the authority’s Head of Children’s Services.
Commenting, Leader of Inverclyde Council, Councillor Stephen McCabe said:
“Louise has been Corporate Director with the council for four years and has consistently shown both her leadership skills and compassion in the Health and Social Care Partnership.
“During the pandemic, she has led form the front in ensuring that Inverclyde’s health and care response has helped to protect and support our community.
“Louise becomes the first woman to hold the job of Chief Executive in the council breaking another barrier and I hope inspiring women and girls across Inverclyde.
“The role of Chief Executive will allow Louise to take all of the skills and experience she has built throughout her career and to use those to lead the Corporate Management team through Covid recovery and beyond.
“Covid presents public services with some unique challenges, but looking ahead, Scotland’s councils face a huge number of challenges, including how they are supported financially to deliver what is best for our communities.
“I have no doubt that Louise will be ready for those challenges from day one.
“I would like to take time to thank the other candidates, including those interviewed and the ones who applied who were unsuccessful.
“While the news will for them be one of disappointment, I can say that it is heartening to see that there are so many committed, caring and talented public servants out there who will support local government in our country through the challenges ahead.”
Ms Long added: “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of Inverclyde Council. My time with Inverclyde since joining has been inspiring seeing how public service staff have responded to supporting the community, especially during the pandemic.
“I aim to build on the work that has been done and ensure that Inverclyde continues to nurture our communities, deliver excellent public services and be a force for good for each and every part of our area.”
