A new chief executive for Gateshead has been appointed
Councillors have agreed unanimously to the appointment of a new chief executive for Gateshead Council.
Dale Owens appointment to the top job was approved by all members at a meeting of the full council yesterday.
Sheena Ramsey, who has been in the post since 2017, took the decision to step down earlier year, prompting the search for a new chief.
Dale, who is currently the Strategic Director of integrated adults and social care services at the council, was the only internal candidate to reach the final shortlist.
The prestigious senior position attracted around 50 applicants from across the country. This was reduced following stakeholder and employee panels to a shortlist of two for final interview.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, who proposed the appointment of Dale as the new chief executive at yesterday's meeting, said: "This is the most significant appointment we as a council can make, and so it was essential we left no stone unturned as we looked for the best possible person to take on this top position.
"Our role as representatives of Gateshead residents was to ensure we had the best pool to choose from, which we did by engaging the expertise of leading recruitment consultants to help us search nationwide for the best candidates.
"This was rightly an intense and rigorous approach, and it is with immense pleasure that we have been able to appoint Dale as our new chief executive following this process.
"He has only been with the council a short while, but already has made considerable progress in developing our adult social care services.
"I look forward to working closely with Dale when he takes up his new role next month, and I am sure you will all join me in congratulating him in his achievement.
"I would also like to thank Sheena for the great work she has done with us over the past seven years, including the sterling job of steering the council through the pandemic, which was no easy task. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours."
Dale added: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this position. The faith put in me by members and the messages of support that I have received from everyone upon my appointment is humbling. I am determined to ensure the best possible service is provided by this council to the people of Gateshead, our employees, and stakeholders. It is my ambition to build on the excellent work of my predecessor, working closely with the Leader and Cabinet, along with officers and members across the whole authority. Giving our residents and communities a voice and role in our decision making as a council is my number one priority.
"We have some very talented colleagues working for the authority who are the backbone of this organisation, and we need to ensure they too have a voice and help shape our council to be fit for the future."
Dale will assume the position of chief executive from June 1, with Sheena leaving the post on May 31, leaving no gap in continuity of service.
One of his first jobs in post will be to oversee the count at the July 4 General Election, announced earlier this week, where he will function as the council's returning officer.
Councillors have agreed unanimously to the appointment of a new chief executive for Gateshead Council.
Dale Owens appointment to the top job was approved by all members at a meeting of the full council yesterday.
Sheena Ramsey, who has been in the post since 2017, took the decision to step down earlier year, prompting the search for a new chief.
Dale, who is currently the Strategic Director of integrated adults and social care services at the council, was the only internal candidate to reach the final shortlist.
The prestigious senior position attracted around 50 applicants from across the country. This was reduced following stakeholder and employee panels to a shortlist of two for final interview.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, who proposed the appointment of Dale as the new chief executive at yesterday's meeting, said: "This is the most significant appointment we as a council can make, and so it was essential we left no stone unturned as we looked for the best possible person to take on this top position.
"Our role as representatives of Gateshead residents was to ensure we had the best pool to choose from, which we did by engaging the expertise of leading recruitment consultants to help us search nationwide for the best candidates.
"This was rightly an intense and rigorous approach, and it is with immense pleasure that we have been able to appoint Dale as our new chief executive following this process.
"He has only been with the council a short while, but already has made considerable progress in developing our adult social care services.
"I look forward to working closely with Dale when he takes up his new role next month, and I am sure you will all join me in congratulating him in his achievement.
"I would also like to thank Sheena for the great work she has done with us over the past seven years, including the sterling job of steering the council through the pandemic, which was no easy task. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours."
Dale added: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this position. The faith put in me by members and the messages of support that I have received from everyone upon my appointment is humbling. I am determined to ensure the best possible service is provided by this council to the people of Gateshead, our employees, and stakeholders. It is my ambition to build on the excellent work of my predecessor, working closely with the Leader and Cabinet, along with officers and members across the whole authority. Giving our residents and communities a voice and role in our decision making as a council is my number one priority.
"We have some very talented colleagues working for the authority who are the backbone of this organisation, and we need to ensure they too have a voice and help shape our council to be fit for the future."
Dale will assume the position of chief executive from June 1, with Sheena leaving the post on May 31, leaving no gap in continuity of service.
One of his first jobs in post will be to oversee the count at the July 4 General Election, announced earlier this week, where he will function as the council's returning officer.
