As most of you know, Garry Stevens is retiring from his post as our Clerk after almost eighteen years of service to the Burgesses. Initially Garry performed his duties as part of his role with Aberdeen City Council then, following the changes to his employment status, he worked directly for us.
The Clerk’s role is wide and varied requiring excellent administrative skills and a great deal of patience when dealing with all of us, particularly with regard to lunch and evening event bookings. Garry has worked with past Lord Deans and made each transition that much easier for all of us knowing that important matters such as the Admissions ceremonies and all that surrounds us is in capable hands.
Garry did say that he was retiring but a significant amount of his ‘free’ time is now devoted to Grandad duties which I know he already finds more exhausting than anything he has done in the Clerk’s role. It was reassuring and invaluable to me that Garry gave an undertaking to continue in his role until a suitable replacement could be found. For that we are all indebted to him. I am sure that you join me in wishing Garry a happy retirement and that he can continue to enjoy his many travels abroad and with his motor home, but we hope that he will continue his link with us all because he is a Burgess. Thank you, Garry
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Garry’s successor has been appointed. Her name is Susan Mitchell who secured the position from amongst an excellent pool of applicants. Susan has extensive experience in administration and management. Garry is currently taking Susan through our processes but I have no doubt that she will suggest where we can improve. Please bear with us as this transition happens. Susan will officially take up her role as our Clerk from 1st October after which time all communication will be with Susan. As at that date you will have all contact details.
I know that you will welcome Susan to our unique organisation. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.
Sylvia Halkerston
Lord Dean of Guild