The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has appointed its permanent Executive Directors.
Following the appointment of EMCCA’s first permanent Chief Executive, Amy Harhoff, the senior team has now added three new members to its ranks: Damien Dacey – Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth, Edward Highfield – Executive Director of Place, and Richard Williams - Executive Director of Resources.
Damien, who has been serving as the Interim Deputy Chief Executive at EMCCA, has played a pivotal role in shaping the authority’s strategic direction since October 2023.
Bringing a wealth of experience from the UK Civil Service, Damien spent over a decade in various policy development and programme delivery roles. Most notably, he contributed to the cross-government initiative to broaden and strengthen devolution across the country, including in the East Midlands.
As Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth, he will be driving forward a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to economic development, employment, and skills across the East Midlands.
Damien Dacey said: “I have seen this organisation grow and begin to deliver real change for the region already. So, I am delighted to have been appointed the permanent Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth.”
Edward brings a wealth of experience, joining EMCCA from Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire, where he has been in his role as Director of Skills and Regeneration for over three years. In this capacity, he oversees planning and development, business and economy, employment and skills, as well as major projects. Edward also holds the position of independent Governor at Kirklees College.
With over 20 years of experience in Local Government, he has built a strong track record in driving growth and development in various regions. Before his time at Kirklees, Edward held director roles at Sheffield City Council, where he worked as Director of City Growth, leading the economic development agency and as Director of Creative for Sheffield.
As Executive Director of Place at EMCCA, he will oversee key areas including Transport, Net Zero, and Housing. He will play a central role in driving the organisation’s initiatives to transform regional transport opportunities for those who live, work and do business in the region, and help to deliver 1,400 high-quality homes by March 2026.
Edward said: “I am excited to step into the role of Director of Place for the East Midlands Combined County Authority. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a young, forward-looking organisation which is already making real changes and showing its impact in the region.”
Richard has extensive and wide ranging financial, commercial and transformation experience. He is a CIPFA qualified accountant whose career spans both public and private sectors.
He joins EMCCA from Southampton City Council, where he is currently interim Director of Finance. His previous roles have included Transformation Director at City of Edinburgh Council, Board Director of a mid-sized technology consultancy, Interim Resources Director at Cornwall Council and Executive Director at Somerset County Council. Prior to these roles, Richard worked in public sector consultancy for KPMG and PwC.
In his new role as Executive Director of Resources, Richard will oversee the finance, HR, OD Learning, procurement and contract management, business operations, digital & technology and audit functions. He will also be pivotal in shaping EMCCA’s financial strategy and strengthening its commercial relationships.
Richard said: “I am delighted to be joining the East Midlands Combined County Authority at such a critical point in its development. I am very much looking forward to working with the Mayor and Amy, and with the new permanent management team to continue to shape and grow the combined authority. At the same time, to build and lead the very best resources functions and teams we can, to support the organisation to deliver its inclusive growth mission and strategic objectives.”
Edward and Richard are replacing current Interim Executive Director of Resources, Amanda Mays and Interim Executive Director of Place, Richard Grice.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I am delighted to have appointed three permanent Executive Directors to our ranks. Damien, Edward and Richard all bring with them rich experience of public service leadership and all three will play a pivotal role in driving forward this organisation and ensuring that our investments in the region deliver real change for the people of the East Midlands.”
Chief Executive of EMCCA, Amy Harhoff said: “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to carefully build my permanent Executive Director team, and I am delighted to welcome Edward and Richard to EMCCA and looking forward to continuing to work with Damien, as we embark on this exciting next chapter together.
“The selection process has allowed us to bring together a group of leaders who are not only exceptionally skilled but also share our vision and commitment to making a lasting impact.“
