Derry's new Town Clerk and Chief Executive Valerie Watts is a "hard worker" who will "bring alot to Derry", one of her Scottish Council colleagues said this week.
Mrs. Watts - who is currently Director for Corporate Services with East Dunbartonshire Council - will take up her new post in the coming weeks.
Mrs. Watts, who is originally from Northern Ireland, is Derry City Council’s first ever female boss. Sh
e succeeds Anthony McGurk who retired earlier this year.
Rhondda Geekie, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, has known Mrs. Watts for more than ten years and says she is an “excellent” Council official.
“Valerie is a first-class officer,” said the Labour councillor.
“East Dunbartonshire’s loss is Derry’s gain. I actually have mixed feelings about it. While I’m personally delighted for her, I’m also sad that we’re losing her.
“She’s a very hard worker and she deserve this promotion. I have no doubt that she is very capable of rising to the challenge of the new job.”
The new appointment has also been welcomed by the city’s MP Mark Durkan: “I would like to wish Valerie Watts the very best in her new role, which I am sure she will find to be both challenging and exciting.
“She brings a valuable range of skills and wide experience from East Dunbartonshire Council to her new position.
“I have no doubt she will put those talents – and the many talents within Council - to good use on behalf of the people of this city and region.
Changes in government
“I look forward to meeting Valerie with the Mayor in the near future to discuss the challenges the Council and the wider Northwest region faces.
Among the many important issues in her In-tray will be preparing Derry City Council for the upcoming changes in local government as well as developing those key partnerships that are so important for the regeneration and growth of the city and of the whole North West.”
