New chief executive for NALC

Jonathan Owen

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has appointed Jonathan Owen as new Chief Executive of the organisation, it was announced yesterday.

Dr Owen joins NALC at a crucially important and exciting stage in the development of the organisation and of its member local (parish and town) councils. Dr Owen will be responsible for leading the corporate management of NALC.

Cllr Ken Browse, Chairman of the National Association, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan as Chief Executive of NALC. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked at different tiers of local government as well as at a national local government body.

“Jonathan’s skills, knowledge and contacts developed in previous high-profile roles at borough, county and national level will be invaluable in ensuring local councils have a strong and authoritative voice.

“Jonathan proved himself to be the stand-out candidate among a very high calibre group, and I look forward to working closely with him to drive forward the localism agenda.”

Prior to this appointment, Jonathan was Director of Ipswich Borough Council for four years, Assistant Chief Executive of London Borough of Havering and Head of Policy at Suffolk County Council.  With a Doctorate in Local Government Studies and 10 years experience working at the Local Government Association’s predecessor bodies, Dr Owen has extensive experience of lobbying civil servants, MPs, Peers and MEPs on local government matters.

Jonathan Owen said: “I am delighted to be joining the NALC team at this exciting time.  They have achieved so much in recent years helping put localism at the centre of political debate.

“NALC have a very ambitious strategic plan to achieve even more: providing high quality services to members; creating new local councils and ensuring they have a strong national voice.

“I look forward to working with member councils, county associations, NALC National Council, NALC Chairman and Vice Chairs, to make that vision a reality.”

Jonathan Owen will take up his position as Chief Executive of NALC on 1 April 2014.