MEET Joanne Hewson.
She is the new strategic director for people and communities at North East Lincolnshire Council.
She will take up the position on September 1, but will be working alongside the current interim director Jack Blackmore, until he leaves the authority at the end of August.
The role covers a diverse range of services including health, family support, adult social care and children's social care.
Joanne has been with the council for 14 years with previous experience in children and family services across the private and public sector, including time within both the early years and adult education sectors.
Joanne was born in the area and has worked locally throughout her career with a vast experience of working with and for the community.
She has been deputy director for early intervention and family support services since 2009.
She said: "While there are a lot of challenges in North East Lincolnshire, not least because of the reduced funding and the difficult circumstances local families face, I am looking forward to taking up the role. Being local I think I understand many of the challenges that our communities face and I want to foster new relationships to help improve the life chances of children, families and adults across the borough."
