Council’s first female director takes up her post

THE first female director in Carmarthenshire County Council has started in her post.

Christina Harrhy has been appointed as Director of Environmental Services.

She joins the authority from Torfaen County Borough, where she was Chief Officer for Neighbourhood Services.

Christina is a Chartered Civil Engineering, and one of only two fellow female Welsh members of the Institution.

Named winner of the Leading Wales Awards 2011, Christina has over 20-years of service to in local government – starting out as a junior technician in highways design.

As Director of Environmental Services, Christina will be responsible for services such as waste collections, street cleaning and lighting, transport, roads and highways maintenance, Planning, enforcement, flytipping and dog fouling.

In her first week in post, Christina said some of her main priority is the budget. She said: “I recognise that the services we provide are highly valued by people in Carmarthenshire. I need to look at how we can deliver them more efficiently.

Other key priorities include: building positive relationships both internally and externally and getting the messages out there about the great work the team is doing.

She added: “I am really keen to build an inclusive team, where everybody is informed and feels valued for the contribution they make.

“I believe 2015 is going to be a good year for us. Yes, there will be challenges; the financial challenges across the Council and department over the next few years will certainly focus our minds but this provides us with the opportunity to do things differently.

“I look forward to working with my team and partners to make a positive difference to the lives of all who live, work and enjoy Carmarthenshire.”

Carmarthenshire County Council Leader, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “I would like to welcome Christina to the local authority and look forward to working with her. She brings with her a wealth of experience in this area and fresh ideas which will help the authority sustain the level of services we provide during these challenging times.”