The LARAC Executive is very pleased to announce the result of its recent elections for the roles of Chair and Vice-Chairs for 2014.
We welcome Andrew Bird as the new LARAC Chair. Recycling Strategy and Commissioning Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Andrew is not only our West Midlands Rep but also our Policy Support Officer and has taken the lead on many of the LARAC consultation responses. As such he brings with him an in-depth knowledge of the various LARAC aims.
'' I am thrilled to have been appointed Chair of LARAC. ” said Andrew, when he was given the news,
“ We continue to live in challenging times, as seen in the last week by the controversy from DCLG's so called 'Bin Bible'. As Chair I will do my upmost to represent our members’ best interests at a national level, as well as giving advice where necessary.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past Chair, Joy Blizzard who has worked tirelessly for LARAC over the last ten years, helping shape the organisation to be the success it is today, and also Mark Foxall as Vice-Chair for all his work and support especially around the need nationally to improve Health & Safety in our industry, an area I am passionate to support.''
Andrew will be ably supported by the two new Vice-Chairs: Sally Talbot, Team Manager: Waste and Operations at Staffordshire County Council, also a member of the LARAC Policy Team and Durk Reyner, Head of Client Environment Services at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and long-time member of the LARAC Exec.
In April this year, Andrew, Sally and Durk will be joined by the new CEO of LARAC, Lee Marshall, who has served 4 years as Chair of LARAC himself, and who will replace Colin Kirkby, our current EO who is taking retirement.
So, 2014 sees a completely new team at the head of LARAC, one designed to give extra strength to the organisation and the representation it provides for its members.
