Manchester appoints new strategic director

Manchester City Council has appointed a new strategic director to lead on future transformation of council services and departments.

Elaine Bowker joined the council on Monday February 11 and will work closely with Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein and other members of the city's strategic management team.

Elaine will lead on Manchester's Improvement Programme, which aims to deliver better council services for everyone who lives, works and enjoys themselves in the city.

She said:" This is my home city and I am proud to be working here at this exciting time. I'm looking forward to working with all departments in the council so that together we can transform services to the benefit of everyone in the city."

Sir Howard said:"Elaine has tremendous experience and we are delighted to welcome her to our team. We look forward to working with her very much at this time of opportunity and transformation in the city."

Elaine grew up in Harpurhey and Newton Heath. Her early career was in education, before moving to the Learning and Skills Council in 2001 where she held several roles including Executive Director, responsible for the leadership of the LSC across Greater Merseyside and Director of Service Delivery, responsible for delivery of all programmes and services across the LSC. Most recently she has been Area Director responsible for the leadership of the LSC across Greater Manchester.

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