Joanne Roney

Chief Executive of Manchester City Council since April 2017, Joanne Roney OBE has helped guide the Council through one of the most difficult periods in its history.Beginning her long career in public service at the age of 16 in Birmingham, she made history when she joined Manchester City Council, becoming the first woman to hold the position of Chief Executive.

During her five-year tenure Joanne has been faced with immense challenges including the aftermath of the Manchester Arena Bombing, and most recently the ongoing response to the Covid-19 Pandemic during which Manchester was forced to navigate one of the longest periods of restrictions imposed on a local authority.

Her priority for the Council is to maintain the regeneration and growth of the city whilst ensuring that growth is inclusive. In particular Joanne has focused on the wellbeing of young people and delivering integrated neighbourhood-based services across Manchester to improve local health outcomes.

Joanne has served as the President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) since 2020.

Joanne is a Trustee of the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and Chair of the Manchester Memorials Trust.

In September 2021, Joanne was named the Local Authority Chief Executive of the Year at the annual MJ (Municipal Journal) Awards. As Chief Executive, Joanne oversaw Manchester City Council attain Council of the Year status at the annual LGC (Local Government Chronicle) Awards in July 2022.

Joanne was awarded the OBE for services to local government in 2009.