Joanne has been the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council since April 2017. Over the past 4 years she has dealt with several unprecedented events including the Manchester Arena Bomb. Joanne is driving the Council through the fundamental changes to Health and Social Care. She is lead Chief Executive for economy across Greater Manchester.

Before moving to Manchester, Joanne was previously Chief Executive of Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council, where she held the top post from 2008. Joanne has extensive public sector experience in economic growth, housing and local government.

Joanne is also president of Solace. She was awarded the OBE for services to local government in 2009.

In September 2021, Joanne was named the Local Authority Chief Executive of the Year at the annual MJ (Municipal Journal) Awards.