Currently divisional director of development and sustainability at Glasgow City Council, Carol will join the Fife team in December to lead the current Enterprise & Environment Directorate.

Cllr Altany Craik, spokesperson for economy and strategic planning chaired the appointment committee. He said: “We interviewed some excellent candidates using a rigorous selection process. I’m delighted to announce that Carol Connolly has now accepted the position of Executive Director of Place.

“Carol impressed us with her commitment to engaging communities and colleagues in the design and delivery of place-based services. She has an excellent track record in leading work that meets local people’s needs and builds long-term community wealth.

“While we continue to focus on Fife’s economic recovery, tackling poverty and preventing crisis, and addressing the climate emergency – we’re approaching a critical period of reform and I look forward to working with Carol to achieve our ambitions.”

Ms Connolly has almost 30 years’ experience in local government. She started her career as a youth worker, holding various roles in children and family services, before moving into lead roles in community safety. At Glasgow City Council she has led the Future Cities programme followed by the City Deal programme, which delivered £385 million of major projects to the area. In her current role as divisional director she is responsible for managing planning, building standards, sustainability, infrastructure development and transport strategy.

The Executive Director of Place role involves developing strategies and policies to create sustainable and thriving communities across Fife, with responsibility for:

• Business and Employability Services
• Environment and Building Services
• Facilities Management
• Planning
• Property Services
• Protective Services
• Roads and Transportation Services

Reacting to her appointment, Ms Connolly said: “I’m delighted and privileged to be given this chance to lead a critical set of Fife’s public services into the next phase of local delivery. I’m looking forward to working with councillors, officers and communities to develop the excellent work that’s already underway to build wealth across Fife’s communities and deliver for its residents.”