The next Chief Executive of the region’s largest council has been confirmed as Terry Collins. The appointment was approved by Durham County Council members at a meeting of full council this morning. (28 October 2015)
Mr Collins will replace the current Chief Executive, George Garlick, who retires at the end of January 2016, following his 60th birthday.
Council Leader, Cllr Simon Henig, said: “I would like to congratulate Terry on his appointment and to pay tribute to the high calibre of the candidates involved in this process.”
Terry Collins joined Durham County Council in 2009 when it became the new unitary authority, as corporate director of neighbourhood services.
He was educated at the Sacred Heart School in Redcar before moving on to study Sport and Recreational Management at Longlands College, Middlesbrough.  He later completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Teesside.
Speaking after today’s announcement he said: “Local Government continues to face very testing times but in Durham we have worked with residents and partners to face these challenges together.
“I look forward to continuing to work hard with everyone involved to find innovative answers to the difficult questions which continue to come our way.”
Cllr Henig continues: “Terry brings huge experience, enthusiasm and strength and I have every confidence that these qualities will help us as we look to save a further £100m from our budget in the coming years.”
The appointment process has been overseen by a cross-party Chief Officer Appointments Committee (COAC).
The committee membership can be seen here: http://democracy.durham.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=568