Samantha Healy named new Longford council chief
The former director of services said she is ‘deeply honoured and delighted’ to take top job
Longford County Council has chosen Samantha Healy, who had served as a Director of Services with the local authority for more than four years, as their new Chief Executive.
Ms Healy, who said she is ‘honoured’, replaces the former chief executive Paddy Mahon who left his role last month after a successful decade at the helm of the local authority.
She was formally recommended for the position by the elected members of Longford County Council at a special meeting on Tuesday, July 28 last.
The local authority said 'Samantha Healy brings more than 20 years' senior leadership experience across local and central government in Ireland and the United Kingdom'.
She has served as Director of Services with Longford County Council since 2022, and a spokesman said she has 'led major service areas and delivered strategic initiatives across housing, infrastructure, community development, climate action, and corporate services'. Prior to joining Longford County Council, Ms Healy held senior leadership roles with Leitrim County Council and the UK Government, working across local government, science, innovation, and public policy.
Longford County Council said throughout her career, she "has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, collaborative leadership, and delivering meaningful outcomes that improve the lives of citizens and strengthen communities".
Speaking about her appointment, Ms Healy said, "I am deeply honoured and delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of Longford County Council.
"I believe strong local government should be ambitious, responsive, and rooted in the needs of the people it serves.
"I want Longford to be a county where people can access quality homes, build rewarding careers, grow successful businesses, raise families, and thrive in vibrant, connected communities.
"I look forward to working with our elected members, staff, communities, and partners to build on Longford's strengths and create lasting opportunities for current and future generations."
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan said on behalf of the elected members of Longford County Council he wanted to 'congratulate Samantha Healy on her appointment as Chief Executive'.
"As the county continues to build on its social, economic and community development ambitions, I am confident that Samantha’s leadership, vision and experience will be of great benefit.
"The elected members look forward to working closely with Samantha, her management team and the staff of Longford County Council to further enhance Longford as a place to live, work, invest and visit. We wish her every success in this important role."
During her role as Director of Services, Ms Healy had responsibility for overseeing key areas including housing, community, and human resources.
She paid a glowing tribute last month to her now predecessor Mr Mahon at an event to mark the contribution he made to the local authority.
Ms Healy praised his 'incredible ability' to remember names.
"He knows who is who and he keeps track of what is happening in peoples' lives.
"It might seem like a small thing but I think it speaks volumes about the kind of person and leader that Paddy is."
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