Council Planner recognised in The Planner’s ‘Women of Influence’ 2024 List
Karla McKinless, Principal Planning Officer in Mid Ulster District Council has been selected as one of The Planner’s Women of Influence for 2024.
The annual list recognises women who have been influential in and around planning over the past 12 months, as nominated by readers of The Planner, with a judging panel that includes distinguished planners from across the UK. Appropriately, the list is published on International Women’s Day.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Domonic Molloy welcomed the announcement, saying
“It is wonderful to hear that Karla has been recognised for her hard work over the past 12 months. The Council has been impressed by Karla’s impact and work over the last year, in particular the significant leadership role she has played in developing the Council’s standalone Planning portal. Her commitment to supporting colleagues, communities and the wider aim of planning deserves such richly deserved recognition, and we are very proud of Karla and her impact on the work of planning and planners over the past year.”
Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Meta Graham added her congratulations to Karla, saying,
“I am delighted that Karla has been recognised for her hard work. It is extremely fitting that this announcement has been made on International Women’s Day, and especially so given this year’s theme of inspire inclusion. RTPI research shows that while progress has been made in recent decades, a majority of women working in planning today are still encountering barriers to their professional advancement because of their gender. Karla is an inspiration to us all, showing employers and employees alike the clear benefits and value of nurturing and retaining real talents within the sector.”
Chris Boomer, Service Director, Planning said “Karla is exceptional not only in terms of her own commitment, but also in terms of inspiring the team to deliver a new planning portal and improved performance in handling applications. She is held in very high regard by our customers because of her willingness to listen, provide sound advice and take practical steps to assist in any situation.”
The nomination received paid tribute, saying, "Karla is extremely knowledgeable in her job and is someone who is always very willing to help and share her knowledge to help everyone grow in their role. She showed great leadership and courage to enable herself and her team to launch, manage, maintain and monitor the planning portal and continues to manage and monitor it with her original teammates, as well as her other development management duties."
The Planners Women of Influence Awards will be given out on Wednesday 8th May in Birmingham.