New County Council Chair announced at AGM

New Derbyshire County Council Chair, Cllr Jodie Brown with outgoing Chair, Cllr Nick Adams

A behaviour psychologist with a long-standing career in education has been appointed to the role of Council Chairman for Derbyshire County Council for the year ahead.

Councillor Jodie Brown, who represents the Long Eaton South Division, was appointed to the role at the county council’s AGM and Full Council meeting on Wednesday 27th May, attended by Deputy Lieutenant for Derbyshire Tony Walker CBE.

Councillor Brown, who has served the last year as the council’s Vice Chair, was presented with her chain of office at the meeting by outgoing Council Chairman Councillor Nick Adams.

Councillor Brown presented Councillor Rob Reaney, who will support her as the newly appointed Vice Chairman, with his chain of office at the meeting.

Both councillors’ roles will see them acting as ambassadors for Derbyshire and being a link between the county council and local community bodies, charities and groups. Councillor Brown will also chair Full Council when it meets.

Councillor Jodie Brown is originally from Lincolnshire and now lives in Derbyshire.

As well as her career in education as a psychologist specialising in behaviour for learning, she has worked with Ministries of Education overseas, living and working in five different countries.

Married for 20 years and a parent, Councillor Brown has experience building and running businesses both in the UK and abroad and has a strong interest in community wellbeing, opportunity and supporting local people and small businesses online.

Councillor Brown said: “It is a great opportunity to serve as Chairman of Derbyshire County Council. Although I have lived and worked in different parts of the world, Derbyshire has truly become home.

“Originally from rural Lincolnshire and having spent much of my childhood on farms, I value the countryside, community spirit and heritage that make Derbyshire such a special place. From the beauty of the Peak District to the character of our towns and villages, it is a county I am very proud of and pleased to represent.”

Councillor Brown has nominated STAND TO, which supports veterans and serving personnel across Derbyshire, as her chosen charity for the year ahead.

Paying tribute to outgoing Council Chairman Councillor Nick Adams, Council Leader Councillor Alan Graves said: “I would like to thank Councillor Adams for his outstanding year as our Chairman and ambassador for the council and Derbyshire. He has set a very high standard and this council is in his debt.”

Councillor Adams also received tributes from across the Council Chamber, praising his service and dedication to the role, and for his fairness and independence while chairing cross-party meetings.

Councillor Adams said: “Carrying out this role as Council Chairman has been an absolute pleasure, a massive honour and a privilege. I have been overwhelmed by the respect and warmth shown to me and I’d like to thank the people of Derbyshire for making this such a wonderful place to live.”