The Chief Executive of Belfast City Council has announced she will move south to head the Public Service of the Channel Island of Jersey.
Suzanne Wylie (pictured) is to take up her position in February, becoming the first women to fill the role.
Mrs Wylie was one of 67 applicants for the role of the island’s most senior Public Servant which carries a £250,000 ($A470,400) salary.
Her predecessor, Charlie Parker left the role in March and his interim replacement, Paul Martin did not apply for the job.
Mrs Wylie said her priority would be to “focus the Public Service on improving the lives of those most in need and on removing any barriers to their success”.
“It will be a privilege to get to know more about the culture, traditions, heritage and pride which make Jersey special and, of course, doing my bit to ensure that the Government protects these,” Mr Wylie said.
“I appreciate there is much to be done to enhance life for all, both now and in the future,” she said.
Mrs Wylie started her career with Belfast City Council in 1988 as an environmental health officer and rose through the ranks to become Director of Health and Environmental Services and later Chief Executive.
Regarding her departure from the city where she was born and raised, the Chief Executive said she would always remain passionate about Belfast.
“It’s what drove me over the last seven years. I will always remain a champion and strong advocate for the city even in my new role,” she said.
Chief Minister of Jersey, John Le Fondré said that by leading the largest Local Authority in Northern Ireland, Mrs Wylie had advanced the vision and ambitions of elected politicians; managed complex external relations with other jurisdictions; and driven internal modernisation to increase innovation and productivity.
Mr Martin congratulated Mrs Wylie on her new job.
“I know she will find Jersey as welcoming and wonderful an experience as I have since arriving in March,” Mr Martin said.
St Helier, 21 September 2021
