Bedford Borough Council has appointed Laura Church as its new Chief Executive.
Following approval at Bedford’s full council meeting, Ms Church is set to become the new permanent CEO at the authority and will take on the role later this year.
She has worked for Luton Borough Council since 1988, working initially in planning and since taking various roles, including being the authority’s Head of Regeneration and Service Director for Business and Consumer Services respectively.
Ms Church then led the council’s work on Place and Infrastructure as Corporate Director, before becoming Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Population Wellbeing.
This role saw her responsible for adult social care, public health and housing at the authority.
Commenting, Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson said:
“I am delighted that Laura will be joining Bedford Borough Council later this year and look forward to working with her.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership that I know we will all benefit from.”
Ms Church added:
“I am very much looking forward to joining Bedford Borough Council as the new Chief Executive.
“After all my time working just down the A6, I am excited to make this move and bring my experience to deliver my best for the borough.”
The role became vacant after the council’s interim Chief Executive, Terry Collins, had to step down from his position due to ill health.
