ISLE of Anglesey County Council’s chief executive, Annwen Morgan, has announced she is to retire next year.

After a career spanning more than 38 years as a teacher, head teacher and working in local government, Mrs Morgan will step down from her role in March 2022.

She said: “In May 2022, the people of Ynys Môn will vote for a new county council to represent them for the next five years.

“I believe that now is the right time to appoint a new chief executive, who will work closely with the new executive and elected members, to take the authority forward.

“I am therefore, today, announcing that I intend to retire in March. This will allow the recruitment process to get underway and for the county council to appoint its next chief executive in good time.

“I was born and raised on Ynys Môn and it has been my privilege to work on behalf of its communities and people. I have enjoyed my time at the county council immensely.

“These past two years have, of course, been difficult, but I have been fortunate to have a dedicated and professional team of senior officers and staff behind me.

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown us all how precious life is - and that we cannot take our family, friends or health for granted.

“With that in mind, I’m really looking forward to spending much more time with my family and two young grandsons.”

Mrs Morgan began her career in 1983 as a Welsh teacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern, Holyhead, becoming the head of the Welsh language department in 1994 and the school’s head teacher in 2007.

She was appointed to the role of Anglesey’s chief executive in October 2019, having previously spent three years as assistant CEO.

Council leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, said: “Annwen’s commitment and leadership during the coronavirus pandemic has been invaluable.

“These last two years have undoubtedly been extremely challenging, but she can take great pride in the role she has played in protecting the health and safety of our local communities and residents.

“As chief executive, she has always fought for the best interests of Ynys Môn; and for that we owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

“Annwen’s commitment will continue as we begin the search to find her successor. When she does finally retire next year, it will be with the best wishes of every one of our elected members.”

The county council’s appointments committee will begin the process of finding a new chief executive shortly.