Two senior council managers involved in key initiatives that support Croydon families have been promoted internally to director posts.
Yvonne Murray has become director of housing assessment and solutions, while Julia Pitt has achieved a permanent role as director of Gateway Services.
Yvonne has been promoted following six years as head of tenancy and caretaking. A Croydon resident, she joined the council in 1997 as a housing adviser, then worked with unaccompanied minors before becoming tenancy manager and then a head of department.
Her new role will include responsibility for council housing and providing longer-term, good-quality accommodation for people who lose their private tenancies.
Julia, who has held her position on an interim basis for nine months, grew up in Addiscombe and worked for more than 20 years for housing organisations including the Homes and Communities Agency before joining Croydon in 2010.
As the head of Gateway service development from October 2015, she has had a central role in a service that last year alone helped more than 2,400 Croydon families avoid homelessness.
These are both key roles in the new Gateway, Strategy and Engagement department and will report to the new executive director, who will be appointed by Christmas.
Yvonne said: “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to help make sure we provide a decent, safe and affordable home for every Croydon resident who needs one. I’ve worked at Croydon Council for 20 years now and can’t wait to begin this exciting new chapter.”
Julia said: “I’m delighted to be part of the leadership team of the new Gateway, Strategy and Engagement department. We’re going to really improve how we work with residents through a more preventative approach – something I’m really passionate about.”
“Yvonne and Julia have a wealth of experience, energy and ideas, and they were superb internal candidates.
“These director roles are all about early intervention to better support Croydon residents, and I know Yvonne and Julia will continue to do themselves and the borough proud.
“We will do everything we can to help our staff achieve their full potential and help them reach new and rewarding positions to make the most of their talents and experiences.”
Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services
