Highland Council is on the hunt for a new chief executive after Donna Manson announced her intention to resign.
Mrs Manson, who has held the job since November 2018, will leave the job next February to join Devon County Council.
The council will now be looking for someone new for the £160,000 a year post.
Mrs Manson will be Devon County Council’s new chief executive. She will earn somewhere in the region of £200,000 a year.
Council convener Bill Lobban said: “Donna has done a tremendous job for Highland Council in the most difficult and challenging of circumstances
“I personally wish her well in taking up her new position with Devon County Council.”
Immense challenge and change
A statement from the council said Mrs Manson had led it through a period of immense change and challenge.
It added: “She has a track record of improvement, best value and successful budget delivery. As well as rebuilding substantial reserves and resilience within council, while implementing significant investment projects.
Council leader Raymond Bremner has also wished Mrs Manson all the best in her new role.
He said: “Donna has been key to Highland Council delivering many successful outcomes and achievements during her time with us.”
Donna Manson’s career before Highland Council
Mrs Manson, 55, grew up in Musselburgh and attained a bachelor of education at Moray House, Edinburgh.
She spent her early career teaching in areas of deprivation, working on reducing inequalities for families.
Before she joined Highland Council, she spent three and a half years working as children services director for Scottish Borders Council.
Prior to that she was head of service at Fife Council.
When she was appointed, Mrs Manson said she had been a regular visitor to the Highlands over the last 30 years through her interests in hillwalking and sailing.
Her husband Drew’s family are also from Caithness.
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