Council’s all-female executive team
Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 01 December 2014
GIRL power has swept in at Oldham Council with the unveiling of an all-female executive management team.
Chief executive Carolyn Wilkins, Emma Alexander (executive director corporate and commercial cervices) and Elaine McLean (executive director economy and skills) will be joined by Helen Lockwood (executive director of co-operatives and neighbourhoods) and Maggie Kufeldt (executive director for health and wellbeing).
The new appointments are part of a continuing restructure, which will reduce the senior management team from 17 to 13 and make savings of £250,000. Decisions on the posts to go are expected within the next month.
Ms Lockwood, who has more than 30 years experience in the public sector, will lead the team responsible for a range of services including waste and recycling, libraries, planning and highways.
She is currently Rossendale Council’s chief executive and leads on a range of strategic projects.
Mrs Kufeldt joined Oldham Council in 2010 from Stockport Council where she was head of integrated commissioning. Originally an assistant executive director, she led the joint working programme across the council and Oldham Primary Care Trust, and has recently been leader for adult services, responsible for a programme to help people be more independent, as well as integrating services with health bodies.
Council leader Jim McMahon, said: “We had some very strong candidates for Helen and Maggie’s roles but their excellent track records and personal abilities convinced the panel they were the right people.
“This new structure will provide the organisation with the leadership, skills and expertise we need to meet the key challenges we face – at a time of falling budgets and increasing demand.”
Carolyn Wilkins added: “I am delighted with the appointments and look forward to working closely with Helen and Maggie. They are very good additions to a dedicated, hard working team.”
1 - CAROLYN Wilkins
2 - MAGGIE Kufeldt
3 - HELEN Lockwood
4 - ELAINE McLean
5 - EMMA Alexander
