Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

COSLA announces new chief executive

The national association of Scottish councils today announced a new chief executive.

The national association of Scottish councils has today announced a new chief executive.

Jane O'Donnell replaces current chief executive Sally Loudon, who leaves COSLA in June after seven years in the job.

Ms O'Donnell has been working in Scottish local government for over 25 years, starting her career in Aberdeen City Council before moving to West Lothian Council.

She is currently working with the Scottish Government as the deputy director for Community Empowerment, Reform and Governance.

COSLA president, Cllr Shona Morrison, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jane as the new chief executive of COSLA. These are challenging times for local government, but Jane has shown impressive leadership qualities, as well as demonstrating a great understanding of both COSLA, Scottish local government and the wider public sector.'

Ms O'Donnell commented: ‘As well as great affection for and loyalty to COSLA and Local Government, I have a firm understanding of the pressures faced by Local Government and together with our elected members, our member councils and staff group I am passionate about delivering positive change for both our sector and our communities.'

HUMAN RESOURCES

What community-business partnerships taught me about social value

By Dan Ebanks | 25 September 2026

Dan Ebanks considers what several years of matching businesses with community organisations has taught him about partnership, trust and social value.

HUMAN RESOURCES

EXCLUSIVE: Rowlands hails 'productive' leaders' council

By Dan Peters | 24 September 2026

Ministers have committed to establishing a more consistent programme of dialogue and collaboration with the sector.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Radical leader

By Ann McGauran | 24 September 2026

Anna Randle talks to Ann McGauran about her long commitment to local government reform working with communities and her excitement about the Burnham agenda.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Perspectives on safeguarding

By Melanie Williams | 24 September 2026

National safeguarding reform matters, but preventing harm requires tackling poverty, housing and wider inequalities, says Melanie Williams.

Popular articles by William Eichler

-->