The NACO Executive Committee is responsible for running the organisation and arranging the Training Events. The Committee of 29 is elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting each year. In addition it may co-opt up to 6 members.
Paul Millward, who had been the Chair of NACO since its inception, retired as Chair in 2021 and the Committee elected as its Chair, Tracy Frisby. The Committee wished to acknowledge the immense contribution Paul had made to the Association by appointing him President of the Association with an ex officio position on the Executive which would be in addition to the maximum of 29 elected members.
Chair of NACO
Tracy Frisby
Elected 8 June 2021
I have worked in local government since leaving school, all of it with Cleethorpes Borough Council which, under LGR 1996, became the unitary authority of North East Lincolnshire, when combined with Great Grimsby Borough Council. I have worked in the Civic Office for nine years and thrive on the variety this role brings to my work. I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of NACO; an association which guided me so much in my early days of civic life. I wish to build on the success of the association to date and to ensure that our members are enabled, with resources and information, to keep their roles relevant and pivotal to local authority work. We are an association that pride ourselves on offering what our members need, rather than tell you what we think you need and to ensure that is successful we encourage you to engage with us; whether using the Message Board, accessing the variety of resources available or indeed by getting in touch with a member of the Executive. We have over 1,000 members from all types of local authority and with your knowledge, experience and good practice, we wish to develop further and build on our solid foundations.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Sarah Asquith - East Riding of Yorkshire
Biographical Notes Awaited
.Jim Babbington OBE DL - Retired Civic Officer
Vice Chair NACO
Having served as Chief of Staff to Mayors of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Jim now utilises his knowledge and understanding of civic, public and ceremonial life to undertake ceremonial consultancy and freelance civic, ceremonial and event management work. He works with central government, local authorities and other agencies, giving guidance on national ceremonial and responding to queries from across the U.K. He is one of NACO’s two vice-chairmen. Jim was awarded an OBE in the 2023 Birthday Honours for his work on behalf of NACO in connection with the Funeral Arrangements for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is a Deputy Lieutenant for Surrey.
Jacqui Brazil - London Borough of Southwark
Jacqui is Civic Officer and Private Secretary to the Mayor of Southwark and previously worked for the Mayoralty in Henley on Thames. Through the organisation of many large-scale ceremonial and fund raising events over the years, in both Oxfordshire and now Southwark, she has gained an extensive knowledge of protocol, etiquette and considerable diplomacy as well as the practical aspects of event management.
Caroline Breckell MVO, DL, Surrey Lieutenancy
Caroline is Deputy Clerk to the Surrey Lieutenancy, supporting the Lord Lieutenant, arranging Royal Visits and assisting with Honours and Garden Party nominations, managing the Lieutenancy website and social media. She is a member of four Lieutenancy Groups and is the Co-ordinator of and an assessor for the King's Award for Voluntary Service Panel.
A Company Secretary Caroline has been Under Sheriff since 2008 and for 30 years she led on the civic function for Surrey. She was appointed an MVO in 2011 and is a Freeman of the City of London.
Toni Causer, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Toni has worked in local government for over 20 years. In May 2019 she joined the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea as the Mayor's Office Manager. The job is varied and busy with no two days quite the same, managing and organising diaries, projects and events while ensuring civic protocol is met and upheld. Toni enjoys supporting the Mayor in their high-profile and important work as the Borough's 'First Citizen', connecting with the local community, residents and with the many organisations in the Borough. She found the support and knowledge from NACO and other Mayor's offices vital, which led her to join the NACO Executive Committee. When not working, Toni loves spending time in the great outdoors.
Anita Cund, Oakengates Town Council
Anita worked for City of Wolverhampton Council for over 29 years. During that time Anita worked on many interesting events including the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the visit of Queen Victoria to Wolverhampton to unveil the famous statue in Queen Square which is a tribute to the Prince Consort. Anita was also involved with the arrangements for a special ceremony and march through the City by HMS Forward who were granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Wolverhampton. Anita decided to move on to pastures new in 2022 and was appointed as Town Clerk at Oakengates Town Council.
Debra Dawson - North Kesteven District Council
Debra has been a dedicated member of North Kesteven District Council since 1988, bringing a wealth of experience in local government to her various roles. She served as Business Support Team Leader for over 10 years before assuming responsibility for civic functions within her team in 2021 with the creation of a new Corporate and Civic Support team. Due to recent changes within her team Debra has embraced a more active and hands on approach to civic matters. She is keen to keep learning and developing and believes that the experience gained through her role on NACO Executive Committee will be invaluable.
Tracy Frisby - North East Lincolnshire Council
Chair - NACO
I have been in local government for around 30 years, over 20 of them with North East Lincolnshire Council and previously 6 years with the former Cleethorpes Borough Council. Of this time, I have spent 20 years in the Registration Service and was then awarded the additional areas of Civic and Mayoral Office a few years ago. Already I am passionate about this area of local government and am determined to retain the treasured history while developing 21st century Mayors. I am very proud to have been asked to Chair the NACO Executive Committee.
Lizzie Grumbach - Westminster City Council
Biographical Notes and photograph awaited
Penny Harrison - Retired Civic Officer
Secretary NACO
Now retired Penny has over 30 years’ experience as a Civic Officer. She worked in the House of Commons before going to the Lord Mayor of London's Office and then as Civic Officer for the Borough of King's Lynn & West Norfolk. Currently Secretary of NACO she has been an Executive Member since the Association was formed. She says that one of the great benefits of being Secretary of NACO is the opportunity it has given her to keep in touch with colleagues in all parts of the UK. She is a Freeman of the City of London. and a former Chairman and Founder Member of the Society of Young Freemen of the City.
Margaret Humphrey - London Borough of Camden
Margaret has worked in Camden since 1982 and has been Mayor’s Officer for the some 20 plus years. Margaret is an active member of the Executive and being in the heart of London, Camden often plays host to our training days. Margaret, along with Jim Babbington, also co-ordinates meetings of the Network for Civic Officers for London borough members.
Alexandra Kowalczuk - Former Civic Officer
Alex worked in various civic offices in Leicestershire for 30 years with her last position being Head of the Civic, Members, Executive, Events and Town Hall Operations for Leicester City Council. After being made redundant in 2012, Alex set up her own company Alexandra K Ltd - The Business Fixer, where she now works with Businesses and Organisations to achieve their goals and help them grow.
Paul Mayhew - Brentwood Borough Council
Deputy Treasurer - NACO
Paul has worked for Brentwood Borough Council since 2004 as Chauffeur to the Mayor. In 2010 there was a restructure of the civic office and together with the Mayors of that year, the ceremonial traditions and protocols associate with the office of the Mayor were re-introduced to the Borough. Paul became the Borough's Macebearer in 2010 joining the Guild of Macebearers in 2012.
Paul Millward - Nottingham City Council
President - NACO
Paul, who has worked at Nottingham City Council for about 35 years, has been involved in promoting civic networks since 1992 and was the driving force behind the formation of NACO. He has an extensive collection of civic books and remains passionate about keeping Civic offices relevant and productive in the changing local government environment. He’s not really as mean as some people think. He was Chair of NACO from its inception until June 2021 when he was appointed President.
Philip O'Brien - Consultant / Erewash Borough Council
Communications Officer NACO
Phil joined Derby City Council as Assistant Mayor's Officer in 1984 taking early retirement in March 2015, having progressed to Head of Democratic Services. A founder member of the Civic Secretaries Group, which became NACO, Phil is convinced of the benefits of professional networking. In 'retirement' Phil has become an affiliate of NACO Training Partner Link Services (UK) Ltd, delivering training and coaching to local authorities and has his own consultancy, EXPERIENCE2INSPIRE LIMITED, which delivers the NACO 'Role of the Civic Head' seminar series.
To ensure that he maintains a practical hands on experience of civic life Phil is Macebearer for Erewash Borough Council.
Alison Orde - St Albans City & District Council 
Alison has worked for St Albans City and District Council for some 30 years. She has worked on many interesting projects including St Albans becoming “Mayfair” on the monopoly board and has a wealth of experience and works closely with stakeholders in upholding civic life in St Albans. As one of the five Magna Carta towns, St Albans was privileged to host the actual document as part of its 800th celebrations.
Angela Richardson - London Borough of Barnet
Angela has worked in the Civic office since 2007. Formerly a Civil Servant with the MOD, Angela is also a Colonel in the Army Cadet Force serving as Commandant for Middlesex and North West London ACF. Angela is also the On Call Resilience Advisor and Silver with the Borough Emergency Planning Team and the Borough Armed Forces Lead Officer. As Mayoral Services and Civic Events Manager, Angela continues to strive to keep the Mayoralty alive whilst embracing changes and new challenges. In 2020 Barnet won the Civic Office of the Year Award.
Emara Roth - Exeter City Council
Treasurer - NACO
Emara joined Exeter City Council in May 2011 as the Lord Mayor’s Admin Assistance and was promoted to Lord Mayor’s Support Officer in October 2013. She also oversees the day to day running of the Historic Guildhall; manages the diaries for the Lord Mayor and Deputy and organises a lot of the City’s Events including Twinning Visits. Emara also manages the Council’s Armed Forces Covenant and has overall responsibility in updating and managing civic protocols.
Sandra Robinson - Belfast City Council
Sandra has worked as Lord Mayor’s Principal Officer in Belfast City Council since 1995. She has extensive experience as Lead Officer for numerous city wide events including visits by President Clinton and President Obama and Members of the Royal Family. Sandra was awarded an MBE in 2011 for Services to Local Government in Northern Ireland and has been a member of the Executive Committee since the Association was formed.
Pat Seager - Epping Forest District Council
Vice Chair NACO
Pat has worked for Epping Forest District Council since 1992 and as the Chairman’s Officer for over 20 years. The Civic Office is a constantly changing environment and her challenge each year is trying to reflect the personality of the Chairman elected, whilst still protecting the use of correct protocol and local traditions in the district. Some years easier than others! She is currently one of NACO's two Vice-Chairs
Andrea Thwaite - Cheshire West and Chester Council/City of Chester Charter Trustees
Andrea has worked in various roles with Councillors in Chester and Cheshire since 1987 but for the last 15 years has been in Democratic Services with responsibility for managing scrutiny, members, civic and major events. Her time is split between managing the scrutiny function and civic and events management. Andrea has extensive experience in managing large civic events, including royal visits and project managing various democratic services projects. She is well versed with civic and ceremonial matters and is also the Lead Officer with the Charter Trustees..
Adam Tregoning - Southend City Council
Adam has worked for the City of Southend Council initially as Macebearer from 2012 and in 2016 became Mayor’s Officer & Macebearer. Prior to this he was a full time professional musician in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces serving with the Corps of Army Music. He is currently the Clerk of the Guild of Macebearers and was the Prime Warden for 2020 to 2022. He was proud to be involved in the ceremony of the granting of City Status to Southend in March 2022.
Beverley Wilson MVO - Retired Clerk to the Lieutenancy
Beverley worked in the Lord Provost’s Office in Edinburgh for 36 years before retiring in 2013. Clerk to the Edinburgh Lieutenancy for the last 26 years of her working life, she became an MVO in the 1999 New Year’s Honours for her service to the Royal Family in that role. In 1996, when Scotland became 32 Unitary Authorities, Beverley’s remit extended when she became Lord Provost’s and Members’ Services Manager.