Douglas City Council’s chief executive, Kathleen Rice, is to retire next April after a career spanning 42 years in public service, including 19 years with the local authority.

Mrs Rice, known as Kathy, has held the chief executive position at the Council, having joined the organisation nearly two decades ago.

Her career began as a solicitor in the UK, where she spent 20 years before moving into local government. She went on to build more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, holding senior positions across metropolitan, county, district and London local authorities.

During her time with Douglas City Council, she has brought her legal and local government experience to the organisation, working with successive Councils.

Council Leader Devon Watson paid tribute to Mrs Rice, recognising her contribution to the city and its residents.

He said: ‘The most important lesson you learn when you are elected is that the effectiveness of the organisation you lead is not determined solely by the decisions you make. Its success is measured by the commitment of the people who devote their working lives to public service.

‘Kathy has spent decades in public service and I can think of few people who have given more of their time, experience and talents to this city.

‘On behalf of Douglas City Council, and on behalf of previous Councils, I want to express our sincere thanks for her work, her leadership and her dedication to the people of Douglas.

‘We wish Kathy all the very best for a happy and well-deserved retirement. She joined us when Douglas was a town and leaves us as a City with our gratitude and our very best wishes for the future.’