Council bids retiring Chief Executive farewell
The final full County Council meeting for Chief Executive Chris Williams marked his 20th year of service to Buckinghamshire.
Chairman Bill Chapple OBE presented him with a photo album containing a pictorial journey through his 15 years as the County Council’s Chief Officer.
At yesterday’s (Thursday, Feb 18) meeting Bill paid tribute to his service to the County Council: attendance at 102 full County Council meetings and 215 Cabinet meetings, serving under one Chairman/Leader, two Leaders, 16 Chairmen, two Lords Lieutenant and 16 High Sheriffs.
Leader Martin Tett said his enduring memory would be of the Saturday in September 2013 that he abseiled down the 200ft County Offices in Aylesbury for charity with Chris dressed in a Superman outfit.
‘Chris has been a fantastic source of inspiration for this council, and a great support not only to us but to councils throughout the south east,’ said Martin.
Former Leader David Shakespeare said Chris’s positive attitude, energy and enthusiasm had been a strong mainstay throughout his time with the county Council.
And Avril Davies, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, described Chris as a breath of fresh air for Buckinghamshire. She praised the way he had encouraged partnership working between county and district councils.
The Chief Executive said it was with mixed emotions that he was retiring. ‘I’ve loved the job, the people I’ve worked with and the county of Buckinghamshire,’ he said.
‘As a council we face a difficult future, but I’m confident we’ll come through soundly.’
Chris retires at the end of March and plans to continue living in Aylesbury.