Aston University awards honorary doctorate to Birmingham City Council chief executive
Deborah Cadman OBE, chief executive of Birmingham City Council, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston University for her significant contribution to public service.
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) was conferred on Friday 28 July at a graduation ceremony at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
Deborah has nearly 40 years of experience in public service and has served as the chief executive of local authorities for around 14 years, leading district, county and city councils.
She was appointed as the first chief executive of West Midlands Combined Authority in 2017 and is currently a trustee of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a commissioner on the Social Integration Commission and a trustee on the Centre for Cities.
In recognition of her exceptional leadership skills and commitment to public service, Deborah was awarded an OBE for services to local government in 2006 and has been listed in Local Government Chronicle’s ‘100 Most Influential in the Sector’. She holds a degree in politics and a masters degree in economics and management practice.
On receiving the award, Dr Cadman said:
“It is an honour to be awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration and to be recognised for my contribution to public service and to the city of Birmingham. I am proud to be associated with Aston University and its commitments to diversity and academic excellence.”
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to award an honorary doctorate to Deborah Cadman in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contributions to public service.
“Deborah has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her professional career dedicated to public service, advocating, developing and maintaining the highest standards in providing services to the public, supporting communities and city regeneration and demonstrating commitment to equality and diversity.
“Her career spanning almost four decades is an inspiration to our students and graduates who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities.”