Tributes paid to Hartlepool Borough Council senior officer Gemma Ptak as she leaves for Durham County Council
Tributes have been paid to a senior council officer who is leaving Hartlepool Borough Council for a new role.
Gemma Ptak has served Hartlepool for nearly 16 years in various roles and has been hailed for the work she has done for the local authority.
At the latest meeting of full council, marking the start of the municipal year, councillors paid tribute to the departing council officer for her key work in the borough and the “unbelievable legacy” she leaves behind.
The council officer is currently Hartlepool Borough Council’s director of housing, growth and communities.
At the latest full council meeting, she was credited for her transformative work in the town over the years, including work on the 2023 Tall Ships Races, making The Highlight active wellbeing hub a reality and more.
Councillor Sue Little, Mayor of Hartlepool, was among the councillors giving tributes and wished the council officer “every success” in her move to a new role.
Councillor Mike Young, deputy leader of the council, added: “The work that you have done for this town, for the people of this town and the legacy that you will leave by leaving the local authority is unbelievable.
“You should be extremely proud.”
Ms Ptak described Hartlepool as a “special place” and said she would look back on her time at the council with “great fondness”.
In a statement after the council meeting, she said: “I’ve been incredibly honoured to serve Hartlepool for almost 16 years and to have connected with so many dedicated colleagues, councillors and residents along the way.
“I have been fortunate to build strong relationships across the borough, and it is those relationships that have enabled so much to be achieved.
“Any contribution I have made has always been part of a wider collective effort, working together to make things happen for our communities.
“Hartlepool is a truly special place. I firmly believe in the power of working alongside people, because our communities often hold the answers to how we can help everyone live their best possible life.
“As I begin my new role at Durham County Council, I will look back with great fondness on my time here.
“I would like to thank everyone I have had the privilege to meet and work with; it has been an absolute joy.”