THE MAN in charge of Wychavon District Council has revealed he leave local government and retire this summer after 35 years service.
Jack Hegarty will leave his role as Joint Chief Executive/Managing Director of both Wychavon and Malvern Hills District at the end of July. It follows two significant health scares in recent years and Mr Hegarty’s desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests
Mr Hegarty has been in charge of Wychavon for 16 years and for the last five has also been head of Malvern Hills District Council. He is the joint longest serving Chief Executive in Wychavon’s 45 year history, alongside Pat Rust MBE.
During his time in charge of both councils, Mr Hegarty has worked with nine different council leaders, 22 different chairman and eight different administrations.
In more recent times he has successfully steered both councils through austerity and worked with councillors to produce strong corporate and financial plans in a bid to improve both areas for residents, businesses and visitors.
“It is with a huge amount of regret I have reached this decision but it is the right one for me and my family. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make my time in charge of Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils so enjoyable and for everything we have achieved together,” he said.
The process to appoint Mr Hegarty’s successor is now underway with a joint panel made-up of councillors from both councils and all political groups leading the process.
Coun Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Wychavon has achieved some amazing things under Jack’s leadership and Malvern Hills District Council has been transformed with him at the helm.
“We are grateful to him for everything he has done during his time in charge. Jack leaves a tremendous legacy amongst the communities he has served. We wish him well for the future and whoever replaces him will have a very tough act to follow.
“We agreed to advertise the post internally first because we have talented individuals working for both councils and it is right to give them the opportunity to showcase their skills and see what they can offer.
“If the selection panel does not believe they have found someone capable of taking both councils to the next level, then we will seek someone from outside the organisation.
“Either way we want to make an appointment as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition and minimise any disruption to both councils.”
