The Chief Executive of Blaby District Council, Sandra Whiles, has announced her retirement after 11 years at the helm.
Approved by District Councillors at a meeting on Tuesday 3 November, Sandra’s retirement will commence at the end of May 2016.
On retiring, Sandra (pictured) said:
“It will be really hard to leave people but I’m incredibly proud of what the council has achieved during my 11 years as Chief Executive. I absolutely love my work and no Chief Executive can succeed for this long without having amazing people to work with.
“I have been blessed to work with so many incredible colleagues, councillors and partners over my time and I have every confidence that the Senior Leadership Team at Blaby will carry on growing, thriving and delivering for the area well into the future.”
Sandra joined Blaby District Council in 2003 as Strategic Director, leaving her previous position as a Director at South Derbyshire District Council.
She was appointed to the position of Chief Executive in May 2005.
The council has had many notable achievements during Sandra’s tenure, including achieving the Customer Services Excellence award for the whole Council, supporting the development of Leicestershire’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau and developing strong relationships with businesses within the district.
The council also became the first District Council to set up a Local Authority Mortgage Scheme to help first time buyers and stimulate the housing market.
Earlier this year, Blaby District was also reported to be the sixth happiest place to live in the country by the Office of National Statistics
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said:
“Our district has been extremely lucky to have someone of Sandra’s creativity and ability as Chief Executive for over a decade.
Under her leadership this council has managed to adapt to the vast changes we, and every other council has faced, coming out a much better local authority for it.
“We will all miss her desperately, and we can only thank her for the strong and healthy position she will be leaving Blaby District Council in.”
The appointment of Jane Toman, the council’s current Director of People, as the Interim Chief Executive, was ratified at meeting of councillors on 8 Dece mber.
Ms. Toman will take up her duties from 1st March 2016.
