Derry man John Kelpie has been appointed the chief executive of the new Derry City-Strabane “super council” which will come into existence on 1 April next year.
John Kelpie.
The appointment of Mr Kelpie, the current Strategic Director on Derry City Council, was announced this evening by the Statutory Transition Committee
Councillor Kieran McGuire, chairperson of the Statutory Transition Committee, congratulated Mr Kelpie on his appointment.
He said: “I am delighted to announce that the Statutory Transition Committee (STC) has appointed John Kelpie to this hugely important role.
Throughout this demanding recruitment and selection process John clearly demonstrated he has the key competencies required for this challenging role.
“We sought someone with a proven ability to focus on the future, demonstrate leadership, promote and facilitate change, deliver excellence, serve the community and effectively work with partners.
“The STC is delighted that John has accepted our offer and we look forward to working with him in creating a new council for the citizens of this strategically significant region.”
Cllr McGuire thanked the current chief executive of Derry City Council, Sharon O’Connor, and chief executive of Strabane District Council, Danny McSorley, both of whom did not put themselves forward for the new position.
Both Ms O’Connor and Mr McSorley have committed to remain in their posts until Mr Kelpie takes up the new position.
Cllr McGuire said: “The STC is also very grateful to both the existing chief executives within the existing councils for the leadership that they have demonstrated in the transition and reform programme to date.”
He concluded: “We now embark on a new era of local government leadership with the creation of a new Council that will be stronger and have the powers and functions to serve our citizens in a more effective way.”
The elections for the new “super council” will be held on 22 May this year.
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