Rising Star

Hull City Council
Sam Bacon

Sam Bacon is an exceptional leader who is absolutely committed to developing himself to be the best he can be, this allows him to be a role model and make significant contributions, not only to the team he manages but also the wider Council. He has a focus on performance management - his team have had significant successes and have also felt nurtured as individuals due to his mentoring style. He understands the value of great communication and takes immense pride in the services he delivers for the City of Hull. We are very proud of him and his achievements.

South Kesteven DC
Fran Beckitt

The most important asset for any organisation is its staff – and making the most of that asset is a skill in itself. South Kesteven District Council is fortunate to have within its ranks someone with that rare ability, and much more besides.Fran Beckitt consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, striving for improvements for colleagues across every service area and, therefore, the whole Council. With a determined and inspirational approach, Fran never fails to deliver. She plays a leading role in ensuring SKDC is a great place to work with fantastic career development opportunities.

Melton BC
Jazz Gallocker

Jazz is a true professional and her work to keep tenants safe is sector leading. Her journey at Melton has been aspiring and impactful. With the support of the Council and her own drive and dedication, Jazz has developed into a dynamic professional well-respected across the housing sector. Her focus on making properties safe led to a transformation in the processes and policies in Melton which addressed all of the compliance concerns that the Regulator of Social Housing had in 2019 during our recent inspection in May 2024. Jazz is our rising star and deserves to be recognised nationally.

Tower Hamlets LBC
Usha Kong

Usha Kong is a rising star, embodying the qualities of a future leader who will continue to make a profound impact in the sector. Usha has achieved outstanding results that align with the council's strategic objectives while addressing pressing challenges in education and social mobility for young people. Her innovative initiatives, resilience, strategic acumen, and ability to inspire and collaborate with diverse stakeholders have already delivered transformative change in Tower Hamlets. As she progresses in her career, Usha is poised to lead the way in tackling the challenges facing local government, driving innovation, and ensuring excellent public service delivery.

Hackney LBC
Tahiara Munshi

Tahiara Munshi is a dynamic leader transforming Hackney’s Markets Service. After stepping into dual roles during a challenging transition, she was promoted to Operations Manager, where she has driven exceptional results. Tahiara’s leadership has delivered £3.5m in annual revenue (+355%), eliminated 300,000 single-use plastic bags annually, and supported 296 new businesses through the award-winning Trading Places programme. Her innovative initiatives, like Project Rocket, promote sustainability, inclusivity, and economic growth. Known for her resilience and empathy, Tahiara has inspired her team and empowered local traders. A future director in the making, Tahiara is shaping the future of local government.

Hackney LBC
Daniel O’Sullivan

Daniel O’Sullivan is a transformative leader redefining local government excellence. As Head of Hackney's Markets Service, he turned a £1.2m deficit into £3.5m in revenue (+355%), eliminated 300,000 single-use plastic bags annually, and created Hackney’s circular food waste economy through Project Rocket. He supported 296 new businesses through the award-winning Trading Places initiative and advises over 60 UK councils. His global influence extends to Tanzania, where he drives policy reform and workforce development. A mentor, keynote speaker, and champion of inclusivity, Daniel is shaping the future of local government with bold vision, sustainability, and people-first leadership.

Kingston Upon Thames RBC
Emily Ormerod

Emily currently works at the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames (RBK), where in her role as Corporate Head of Change & Improvement is responsible for the oversight of a number of complex transformational change initiatives. Emily adds significant value to the organisation by taking an innovative, collaborative and authentic approach, with a focus on delivering positive outcomes. Identifying opportunities for improvement and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to strategically shape the transformational change agenda across the organisation. Emily is no doubt a rising star in local government and a strong candidate for this award.

Lewisham LBC
Spike van der Vliet-Firth

Spike is a standout candidate for Rising Star – a collaborative, innovative and effective leader, in his team, in Lewisham Council and across the wider sector. As the Head of Economy, Jobs and Partnership he leads a service which is responsible for the Council’s employment and skills policy and delivery, its Economic Growth Strategy and business development and support. A vast portfolio, he has delivered new jobs, new businesses, protected the council’s reputation, and is improving lives. Spike’s leadership has created a motivated, loyal and effective team that is creating space for local people and businesses to thrive.

Hackney LBC
Michael Wiktorko

Michael Wiktorko exemplifies the qualities sought for the LGC Rising Star Award. Over a 15-year career in local government, starting as an apprentice in 2009, Michael has progressed to become a leader in the parking industry. His visionary approach, resilience, and dedication to improving both public services and staff wellbeing have transformed Hackney’s Parking Service, setting a benchmark for innovation and excellence in local government. Michael takes pride in delivering innovative solutions that address Local Authority challenges and improve staff wellbeing - he also takes every opportunity to share his experience with other Councils to positively impact the entire industry.

Sheffield City Council
Adeel Zahman

Adeel is the Manager of the Central Local Area Committee at Sheffield City Council. In this role he manages a team of four and works to support the twelve elected councillors that represent the central wards. Over 2024 Adeel has been a leading figure within the city in guiding a response to the complex challenges that the community environment has faced including the far-right riots and the permutations of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Adeel has handled himself with distinction through supporting his team and elected members to offer support and stability for his local community.