SOMERSET NEWS: New chief executive at County Hall

SOMERSET County Council has today (Wednesday, May 21, 2014) announced that Pat Flaherty has been appointed its chief executive officer.

Mr Flaherty has many years of service in a range of roles within the authority and for the past six months has been Acting CEO in the absence of his predecessor Sheila Wheeler.

The decision was formally approved after a vote at today’s council meeting.

Council leader, Cllr John Osman, announced the appointment earlier today to staff.

“Pat has impressed us all leading the authority through the biggest disaster this council has faced with the major flooding, and taking a personal lead in achieving a balanced budget in the tightest of financial times over the past six months,” he said.

“I have always looked to promote talent from within wherever appropriate and I have no doubt that Pat will prove to be a successful and popular appointment.”

Mr Flaherty said he was thrilled to take on the role.

“I am excited and proud to be the Council CEO and to represent a staff group who are truly fantastic, dedicated and willing to go the extra mile for our residents,” he said.

“I am ambitious for our Council, for our staff and for our residents. I want the best we can provide and I will work hard on behalf of everyone to achieve that.

“We have huge opportunities over the coming years and we need to aim high. I also want to listen to as many people as I can across Somerset to hear the views and ideas of our hardworking staff, residents and communities over the coming months to hear their views and ideas.”

Mr Flaherty takes up the role immediately.

Ms Wheeler left the council “by mutual agreement” in February this year having been absent from her £160,000-a-year job November 2013.

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