Mr Stevenson has worked in public service for more than 30 years and joined Dumfries and Galloway in 2009. In 2015 he also became its returning officer, overseeing the running of elections.
Highlights include securing the Borderlands Deal, his work with young people to encourage them to live and work in Dumfries and Galloway and his impact on national and local resilience work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “It has been a privilege being the chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council and having the incredible opportunity to work with such a committed workforce.
“I am very proud of the council’s dedicated staff and how they have risen to the unprecedented challenges of the current pandemic. Their outstanding work with local communities and people in our region every single day is truly inspirational.”
Council leader Dr Elaine Murray paid tribute to a man she described as a “strategic leader”. She said: “Gavin secured the Borderlands Deal, led improvements in best value, and steered the council through extremely challenging times for local government finance. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.”
The post will be advertised in the new year and in the meantime Derek Crichton will step up as interim chief executive, while Lorna Meahan has been appointed as the returning officer.
