Press releases

Kate Priestley appointed as chair

Kate Priestley, previously chief executive of NHS Estates, has been appointed as chair of the Local Government Leadership Centre.

Kate's career spans the civil service, local government, healthcare and the voluntary sectors. She is highly skilled at reshaping large organisations, particularly those in complex and sensitive political environments. An experienced leader, she has a reputation for making informed, tough decisions, while bringing out the best in her teams through her open and approachable style.

As chief executive of NHS Estates, Kate was described as "the most powerful woman in construction" by Building magazine. Reporting directly to the Secretary of State for Health, she was one of a relatively small band of women to reach such a high rank in the civil service.

A former psychiatric social worker, Kate's performance at NHS Estates, which manages Europe's largest property portfolio, was impressive. In less than three years, the agency more than doubled its turnover. In 2001 Kate became the chief executive of Inventures, an innovative public-private partnership (PPP) and the trading part of NHS Estates.

Kate started her career in local government, as assistant director of social services in Newcastle, before moving into the NHS.

"I'm very excited by the possibilities of the Local Government Leadership Centre," she says. "Over a long and varied career in the public service, I've witnessed the importance of leadership skills among both officers and politicians."

"But we're in a new world, and local government is under pressure from government and consumers to be more effective. Both officers and members need to recognise that their leadership skills need to be regularly refreshed. The Leadership Centre will help bring those skills up to and beyond the level of the best."

Married with a grown son, Kate lives in Northumberland and, when she has time, enjoys graphology, cooking, travel and opera.

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