New Chief Executive delighted with appointment

Dr Donaldson is the current Chief Executive of Craigavon Borough Council.

She will bring with her a wealth of local government experience.

Dr Theresa Donaldson as congratulated by all political parties in Craigavon Council on Monday night.

She will take up the new post after the ‘shadow’ elections in May and lead the Castlereagh-Lisburn into the complete take-over in May 2015.

DUP’s Carla Lockhart said the appointment was “their gain, our loss” while SDLP’s Joe Nelson commented there were big changes ahead all round.

UUP’s Kenneth Twyble gave his “personal and our party’s” congratulations, while SF’s Gemma McKenna said, “We had our disagreements, but we wish you all the best.”

Dr Donaldson had applied for the Armagh-Banbridge-Craigavon (ABC) post, which ultimately went to Roger Wilson, formerly Head of HR at Craigavon and then CEO of Coleraine. Ironically, Mr Wilson had been chosen for Castlereagh-Lisburn as well as ABC, but chose the latter, leaving the door open for Dr Donaldson.

She said on Monday night, “Obviously I’m delighted to have been appointed, but sad to leave Craigavon. All the councillors work responsibly for the ratepayers and I wish you every success in the future, especially in the ABC set-up.”