THE CHIEF Executive of Rugby Borough Council is stepping down from her role.
Mannie Ketley has decided to take a career break following 20 years of loyal service to the council in six different roles.
She said: “After 20 years here at Rugby Borough Council, it’s time to move on and I’m looking forward to taking a break, spending more time with my family and exploring different opportunities.
“Starting out in a finance team leader position, I never imagined I would progress to Chief Financial Officer and then Chief Executive Officer in the same organisation, but I’ve always been well supported to progress my career, and I encourage all colleagues to take those opportunities when they come along.”
Ms Ketley – who stepped into her leadership position just two weeks before the first Covid lockdown – was recognised in 2020 for her contribution to the community as part of West Midlands Employers’ Everyday Heroes campaign.
She added: “Having taken up my current role at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was probably one of my most challenging moments but also a real privilege to work with council colleagues and our wider partners to serve and support Rugby’s communities.
“Looking back over the years, I’m really proud of our many achievements and I look forward to seeing the continued success into the future.”
In a joint statement, council and Labour Group leader Coun Michael Moran, Liberal Democrat Group leader Coun Jerry Roodhouse, and Conservative Group leader Coun Derek Poole said: “We would like to thank Mannie for her long service at Rugby Borough Council and recognise that her leadership has had a significant impact, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are extremely appreciative of her hard work and diligence during a period of unprecedented challenge. On behalf of all Councillors and colleagues, we would like to express our gratitude and wish her well for the future.”
Speaking in 2020 when Ms Ketley was named an ‘Everyday Hero’, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, said: “It’s been fantastic to hear how Mannie stepped into the Executive Director position and hit the ground running when the pandemic hit.
“Like other council leaders across the country she has faced a particularly difficult period where she has had to respond to the ongoing changing pandemic situation but also plan for the council’s recovery.”
