Hartlepool Borough Council chief executive Denise McGuckin announces her retirement
Hartlepool Borough Council's leading officer is to leave after nearly three decades of service.
Chief executive Denise McGuckin will retire next summer after almost 30 years with the council.
Ms McGuckin has led the council since August 2020, guiding the organisation through “one of the most challenging periods in its history” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her career with Hartlepool Borough Council began as a recycling officer and she also carried out a number of roles including environmental services manager and director of regeneration and neighbourhoods.
She will remain in post until early summer 2026 to ensure a smooth transition as the council begins the process of appointing her successor.
Ms McGuckin said: “It has been an honour to serve the people of Hartlepool.
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together from strengthening local services to driving forward regeneration and creating opportunities for our communities.
“I want to thank our staff, elected members, and partners for their unwavering commitment and support.”
Under her leadership Hartlepool has secured over £160 million of investment, driving regeneration and creating new opportunities for residents while she played a key role in bringing the Tall Ships Races back to Hartlepool in 2023.
Ms McGuckin has also championed improvements in local services, with the council’s children’s services rated “outstanding” by Ofsted and adult services rated “good” by the Care Quality Commission.
She continued: “I thoroughly believe Hartlepool is in the very best of hands as I prepare to hand over the baton to our next chief executive.”
She added there remains “much more work to do” before she retires and local authority leader Councillor Pamela Hargreaves “is already shaping a new chapter for Hartlepool”.
Cllr Hargreaves said: “Denise has been an exceptional leader for Hartlepool.
“She hasn’t just guided our local authority through some of its most challenging periods – rising demand for services, funding pressures and inflation – she has done so with unwavering calm, determination and, most importantly, compassion.
“What truly sets Denise apart is her deep commitment to the borough and its communities. Her influence will be felt for many years to come.
“On behalf of the council and the borough, we thank her sincerely for everything she has given to Hartlepool, and we wish her every happiness, fulfilment and adventure in her retirement.”