Donna Manson:

Role and responsibilities

Leading on the strategic vision for the authority, Donna has responsibility for ensuring the Council is future ready and makes the most of opportunities to be inventive, flexible and responsive to local need.

Donna’s remit covers Corporate Services which includes Democratic Services, Policy, Legal Services, Human Resources and Finance.

Biography

Donna joined Devon as Chief Executive in February 2023.

Donna grew up in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland, and attained a Bachelor of Education from Moray House, at the University of Edinburgh. Starting her career in education, Donna spent her early career teaching in areas of deprivation, working on reducing inequalities for families. She then moved on to work in Children’s Services in three Scottish councils.

Before moving to Devon, Donna was the Chief Executive of Scotland’s largest rural authority, The Highland Council, since 2018. There she led the Council in developing an ambitious, sustainable, and connected vision for the Highlands during a time of immense change and challenge.

Donna has a track record of improvement, best value, and successful budget delivery, rebuilding substantial reserves and resilience within The Highland Council, while implementing significant investment projects.

Donna’s priority is to involve children and young people in everything we do and build a Devon for Young People.