Solicitor appointed permanent chief executive at district council

Huntingdonshire District Council appointed Michelle Sacks as its new Chief Executive at a Full Council meeting this week (19 July).

Sacks is the Deputy Chief Executive (Growth) for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership which is made up of Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland Councils, serving 307,000 residents.

Her current role includes seeking external funding, planning, inward investment and business support, skills, transport and connectivity with a strong emphasis on delivery through collaboration.

Sacks has worked in local government for 27 years and started her career at Fenland District Council as a legal assistant before qualifying as a solicitor.

She has also spent time with the likes of Corby Borough Council, Selby District Council and Staffordshire County Council “and has become recognised for her regeneration and place-making skills”, Huntingdonshire said.

Sacks will take over the role from the council's Corporate Director of People, Oliver Morley, who took on the position on an interim basis following the departure of Jo Lancaster who stepped down after nearly 10 years in the post.

Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "We had a strong field of applicants apply for the role and they were all enthusiastic about our ambitions for Huntingdonshire.

"Michelle has a wealth of experience and passion for local government and we are really excited to have secured her as our new Chief Executive. I am sure that our staff along with our members and partners will enjoy working with Michelle.

"Michelle will continue to drive forward our ambitious agenda for Huntingdonshire and I look forward to working closely with her to ensure we provide the best possible services we can to our residents."

Sacks said: "It is a huge privilege and honour to have been chosen to be the next Chief Executive of Huntingdonshire District Council. It is an exciting time to be joining the council following the approval of Huntingdonshire Futures, our vision for the future of the district. I look forward to working with our members, staff and stakeholders to deliver for our communities and make a great place even better for our local residents."

She will also become the council's Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.