Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

COSLA announces new chief executive

The national association of Scottish councils today announced a new chief executive.

The national association of Scottish councils has today announced a new chief executive.

Jane O'Donnell replaces current chief executive Sally Loudon, who leaves COSLA in June after seven years in the job.

Ms O'Donnell has been working in Scottish local government for over 25 years, starting her career in Aberdeen City Council before moving to West Lothian Council.

She is currently working with the Scottish Government as the deputy director for Community Empowerment, Reform and Governance.

COSLA president, Cllr Shona Morrison, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jane as the new chief executive of COSLA. These are challenging times for local government, but Jane has shown impressive leadership qualities, as well as demonstrating a great understanding of both COSLA, Scottish local government and the wider public sector.'

Ms O'Donnell commented: ‘As well as great affection for and loyalty to COSLA and Local Government, I have a firm understanding of the pressures faced by Local Government and together with our elected members, our member councils and staff group I am passionate about delivering positive change for both our sector and our communities.'

HUMAN RESOURCES

Community resilience, civil defence and the leadership challenge for councils

By Stephen Moir | 05 June 2026

Civil resilience cannot be left solely to emergency planners, says Stephen Moir. Local government leaders should consider how communities, services and partn...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Unai Emery's brilliance provides a great blueprint for local government finance leaders

By Rob Powell | 05 June 2026

Rob Powell says local government finance leaders have much to learn from Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery as they kick off the next budget and Medium-Term Fi...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Chiefs take charge

By By Neil Merrick | 04 June 2026

Uncertainty at several local authorities as recent elections leave chief executives presiding over a changing political landscape.

HUMAN RESOURCES

What England can learn from Japan's approach to local government finance

By Naoki Fujiwara | 04 June 2026

Consideration of Japan’s approach to local government funding suggests possibilities for doing things differently in England and opens up space to think abou...

Popular articles by William Eichler