Lisa Arnold has more than 20 years’ experience of working in local government and is passionate about providing high quality, effective services that meet the needs of local communities.

She is leaving her role as assistant director at Blackpool Council where she has combined her leadership role with a professional commitment to learning, having completed an MBA in 2021 from the University of Central Lancashire and more recently completed the SOLACE Total Leadership Programme.

Lisa starts her new job with Dumfries and Galloway Council in August 2024. She will report to chief executive Dawn Roberts and form part of the council’s senior leadership team.

On accepting the position, Lisa Arnold said: “I am honoured to accept the role of executive director economy and infrastructure at Dumfries and Galloway Council, and I look forward to working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders, residents and politicians to transform our services to support residents to lead healthy, happy and active lives.

“Dumfries and Galloway Council is on an exciting journey, with ambitious plans, and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the council and contribute to the developments ahead.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council convener, Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, said: “On behalf of elected members and staff we are pleased that Lisa has chosen to join Dumfries and Galloway Council as our first Executive Director Economy and Infrastructure.

“Lisa’s directorate includes responsibility for transport and infrastructure, waste, neighbourhood services, the economy and the environment, key areas of focus for this council in the months and years to come.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience in local government and will be instrumental in helping our council achieve our vision for the region to be ‘the natural place to live, work, visit, and invest’.”