After a period of ill health and having been away from the organisation since January, Joanna Killian has decided that she will not be returning to the LGA and will be stepping down from her role as Chief Executive.
Joanna Killian said:
"I have dedicated my life to public service but now is the right time for me to step back and enable the LGA to appoint a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation at a time of great change for both the organisation and the sector.
“I am grateful for the support of the Chair and Board over the last few months. I am also grateful to the brilliant NHS who have cared for me so well."
LGA Chair, Cllr Louise Gittins, said:
“Joanna has made a significant contribution to the LGA and the sector during her time as Chief Executive.
“She has played a central role in shaping and bringing forward our renewed purpose and vision, driving forward our support to councils, and providing outstanding leadership through some of the most challenging periods for local government.
“This includes her leadership of the LGA's work on the Covid-19 Inquiry and our engagement with government following the Southport riots. Joanna has also been a valued source of support to me personally in my role as Chair.
“We are grateful for everything she has done for the organisation and for local government, and we wish her all the very best for the future.”
To ensure continuity, Jenny Rowlands, who took up the role of Interim Chief Executive in May, has agreed to extend her time in post while we begin the process of recruiting a permanent Chief Executive.
This will enable Jenny to continue leading the organisation and oversee the next phase of the transformation and reorganisation programme.