Kath O'Dwyer
Solace Group Board Chair
Kath has 42 years local government service with 8 years’ experience as a Local Authority Chief Executive, in two different local authorities.
Kath has been the Solace Board Chair since October 2024, and also chairs the Solace Commission on Professional Standards and Ethics.
Since her ‘retirement’ from her Chief Executive role last year, she now has a ‘portfolio career’ and acts as an advisor and consultant to the sector, including roles as Independent Chair for Improvement Boards; Technical Assessments for Chief Executive recruitment; Executive Coaching; work with the LGA in relation to Peer Reviews and development work with elected members.
10:00–11:00
Main Plenary
Women across local government are challenging long standing norms, reshaping organisational cultures, and redefining what leadership looks like. This panel brings together three senior female leaders to explore both the systemic barriers that still shape career progression and the powerful role authenticity plays in overcoming them. Through candid reflections on navigating political challenge, leading through complexity, and building confidence in spaces not designed with them in mind, panellists will share practical strategies and personal insights. The session will examine how allyship, inclusive cultures, and values driven leadership can create genuinely equitable pathways - and what it will take to ensure more women can lead boldly and authentically across the sector.
