CWAC welcomes senior appointments
Kathy McArdle is stepping into the executive director of place and growth role with Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Natalie Abraham also joins as
Natalie Abraham rejoins Cheshire West and Chester Council as assistant chief executive and director of transformation and strategy. Credit: CWAC
The appointments were confirmed after a meeting of the full council last week.
McArdle starts her role in September, replacing Charlie Seward who retired earlier this year. She is moving from Barnsley Council where she was service director of regeneration and culture.
With CWAC McArdle will be responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of economy and housing, environment and communities, and transport and highways directorates.
Meanwhile, Abraham will join the council in October having previously served CWAC in a senior management role overseeing public service reform.
Since her first spell with the authority Abraham co-founded CIPFA C in 2016, a public services consultancy where she was managing director.
Abraham has been handed responsibility for strategic leadership and direction of digital, data, and technology, engagement and communications, insight and intelligence, and transformation services.
She takes over from Laurence Ainsworth, who has moved to the position of director of strategy and transformation at Lancashire County Council.
Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of the council, said: “Kathy’s wealth of experience in delivering large-scale regeneration and place-shaping projects will be invaluable in bringing our ambitious plans for the borough to life.
“It is also wonderful to see Natalie return to the council. With her passion for local government and proven track record in transformation, she is well placed to help shape how we work differently to deliver critical services in the face of financial challenge.”
CWAC chief Executive Delyth Curtis said: “Kathy and Natalie bring considerable expertise to the Council and will be key advisors to the rest of the organisation.
“During our recruitment process, both candidates demonstrated a clear commitment to the values that strongly align with those of members, colleagues, and partners of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
“I am looking forward to working with them both, as we continue to strive for a stronger future for the borough.”
McArdle said: “I am delighted to be joining Cheshire West and Cheshire Council at a time of positive change and opportunity. I am really looking forward to working with the council’s teams and elected members, and with communities, businesses, and partners, to deliver inclusive growth and benefit for everyone in the borough.
“This is a place with tremendous heritage, innovative spirit and ambition, and I will work hard with the teams to ensure we make a positive contribution every single day.”
