The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has appointed Nicole Paterson as its next chief executive.
Joining the agency in October, she is a local government chief officer, with nearly 30 years' experience across five local authorities, consultancy and environmental non-executive roles; leading operational, regulatory and strategic environmental services.
With more than 25 years' experience in local government specifically, Paterson joins from North Lanarkshire Council, Scotland’s fourth largest local authority, where as the head of environmental assets, she led systemic change on climate change adaption, biodiversity, flood risk management, transport policy, planning and green spaces.
Paterson previously spent over a decade at Stirling Council leading strategic environmental and infrastructure programmes and has worked across West Lothian, East Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils.
She is a board member of Climate Ready Clyde, working with industry and government, and chair of the Glasgow City Region Transport Portfolio, leading strategic transport visioning.
A Chartered civil engineer and University of Strathclyde graduate, Paterson is a member of 7 Lochs Wetland Park and previously the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative.
The appointment followed an open recruitment process which attracted a diverse range of applications from across Scotland, the UK and Europe.
SEPA chair Bob Downes said: “As Scotland’s environmental watchdog, SEPA plays a key role in Scottish public life, protecting, adapting, and supporting our transition to a net zero economy.
“We’ve got a great team of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to our rich and diverse environment.
”They deserve the very best leadership and I’m delighted that in Nicole, we’ve found an optimistic, energetic leader who’s as passionate about Scotland’s environment, our statutory purpose and delivering modern, effective and essential public services as we are.”
Paterson added: “Across my career, from working with the board of Climate Ready Clyde to Argyll & Bute Council, I’ve been constantly inspired by SEPA’s role in improving Scotland’s environment, its commitment to collaboration and the professionalism and commitment of its people.
”Over the coming months I look forward to visiting, meeting with and listening to people, partners and stakeholders across the country as together we deliver for Scotland’s environment.”
Jo Green will continue as acting chief executive until Paterson assumes responsibilities in October.
The changes were brought about in January, when Terry A’Hearn stepped down as leader following conduct allegations.
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