Council chief executive announces retirement
The chief executive of Durham County Council has announced his intention to retire after more than four decades in local government.
Terry Collins joined the authority in February 2009 as corporate director for neighbourhoods, two months before the new unitary authority was established, and has been chief executive for the past five years.
The top officer has been responsible for developing the council’s culture-led regeneration programme and boosting the county’s reputation as a place to invest and visit, alongside steering the council through financial pressures and more recently, leading its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has also been instrumental in the development and delivery of a countywide investment programme, including the new Integra 61 development and the expansion of NETPark, and led the team responsible for bringing online retail giant Amazon to County Durham.
“It has been an extremely difficult decision to make, especially after 43 years in local government and 11 years at Durham County Council,” he said.
“However, I will be leaving the council confident in the knowledge that it is in a strong position going forward despite the constant challenges that we continue to experience.
“Durham is an excellent council, which has a strong reputation regionally and nationally.
“Despite the challenges we face it is performing well with strong leadership and a clear vision.”
Mr Collins, who is due to turn 60 in November, started his career in local government at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.