Former council chief executive appointed as UEA council chair
By: News Archive
Former Norwich City Council chief executive Laura McGillivray has been appointed as the new chair of the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Council, and begins her role today (1 April).
Council is the university’s governing body and comprises community, student and staff members with the chair being a non-executive leadership role. Laura has been a member of the council for almost 14 years and moves into this position to oversee its operation.
She takes up this position during unprecedented times in UEA’s 57 year history, but has already been astounded by the way students, staff, alumni and the wider community have come together.
She said: “In these difficult and challenging times I would like to praise the extraordinary efforts of senior members of the executive team and all the staff of the university. In a few short weeks they have completely changed the modus operandi of the university and its campus.
“Staff and students have made significant contributions to the nation’s health efforts by working closely with NNUH and demonstrating the value of the Norwich Research Park as a united campus.
“I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to serve the university. It is now and will continue to be, a force for good in the city, the region, the country and the world. I look forward to a time when it can strengthen its extraordinary contribution still further.”
Laura takes over from Joe Greenwell, who served as chair of UEA Council for almost four years. Joe, who was formerly chair of Ford Britain, is moving onto a role as the High Sherriff of Warwickshire.
UEA’s Vice-Chancellor Prof David Richardson, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks to Joe for his exceptional contribution to UEA over the last few years.
“Laura brings with her a wealth of valuable experience, and I’m looking forward to working with her.”
Laura stepped down from her role as chief executive of Norwich City Council last year after 14 years, and has worked at board level in local government for around 22 years.
She began her career as a social worker for Liverpool City Council in the seventies, followed by 10 years in the voluntary and charitable sector in London before returning to local government.
She has an MBA in public service management and extensive experience of non-executive leadership. Laura also sits on the board of the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art which is situated on the UEA’s campus.
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