Express & Star

New council boss set to be appointed

A new chief executive of Walsall Council is set to be appointed over the coming weeks.

Published
Dr Helen Paterson

Dr Helen Paterson will move from her current position as chief executive at Wrexham County Borough Council to the top position at the borough council after a special council meeting on August 7.

This follows on from the announcement in March from existing chief executive Paul Sheehan that he planned to retire.

Previously, Dr Paterson has been head teacher at several primary schools, an executive director of children services and a strategic director for transformation.

In addition she has been a member of a wide range of ministerial and national groups including the Bevan Commission.

She said: “I am delighted by the prospect of working with the elected members and committed staff at Walsall Council and look forward to the fresh opportunities this brings.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wrexham and look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained whilst here and in my previous roles to assisting Walsall Council in its service of local residents and business.”

Council leader Sean Coughlan has said that he anticipates Dr Paterson will begin working with the authority in the autumn.