Executive Director announces retirement

Dundee City Council’s Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, Elaine Zwirlein, is to retire on March 31.

In a career spanning four decades, Mrs Zwirlein was instrumental in the transformation of the city’s housing landscape, delivering major regeneration in areas such as Ardler, Whitfield, Mill o’ Mains and Hilltown.

She oversaw delivery of the external wall insulation strategy to over 5000 homes, helping to lift families across Dundee out of fuel poverty.

Her wide-ranging career also included support for vulnerable people, from leading local provision for refugees to tackling gender-based violence against women and girls.

Mrs Zwirlein was the first chair of Dundee’s Violence Against Women Partnership and helped to establish the Bella Centre community custody unit for low-supervision women and young people.

“I have really enjoyed my 31 years with the Council doing a job that I love and that makes a hugely positive contribution to the quality of life for people in the city,” said Mrs Zwirlein.

Her career in housing began in 1986 as a graduate trainee with Scottish Special Housing Association, before joining the council in 1992 and becoming Director of Housing in 1998.

In 2015 she was appointed Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, a role which now encompasses housing and construction, environment and communities, safety and protection.

Major projects delivered by Mrs Zwirlein include the Energy from Waste joint venture at Baldovie Industrial Estate and implementing changes required for the national Charter for Household Recycling in 2016.

She led Dundee Decides, a pioneering project which saw around 11,000 citizens make decisions about spending over £1 million on projects such as play areas, pedestrian crossings, pavements, lighting and planting.

Mrs Zwirlein continued: “I am also very proud of our humanitarian efforts, including support for Syrian refugees and latterly families displaced from Ukraine.

“All of this could only be achieved through the dedication and hard work of all the officers I had the privilege to work with and I would like to thank them for their unwavering support over many years.

“I have been very proud to lead them and wish them every success in the future. I would also like to thank my wider colleagues, partners and elected members for the support and guidance they also given me.

“I am looking forward to enjoying time with my family and travelling more.”

Council Chief Executive Greg Colgan said: “I’ve known Elaine since I came into local government, and it has been a true privilege to work alongside her.

“She has delivered so much for the people of the city, most recently as executive director of a service which impacts on everyone who lives and works in Dundee.

“Colleagues will miss her wisdom, insight and of course the experience gained over decades in public service. But the real hallmarks of Elaine’s leadership are the kindness, warmth and compassion she has displayed every day of her distinguished career.

“I pay her my warmest thanks on behalf of the Council and wish her a long and happy retirement.”

• Share this page:
• Share On Twitter
• Share On Facebook
• Share On LinkedIn