Christina Harrhy, Chief Officer of Neighbourhood Services at Torfaen County Borough Council, has been awarded the Leadership of the Future award at this year’s 2011 Leading Wales Awards.

The prestigious pan-Wales awards, that recognise and celebrate leadership across all levels, was organised in association with Real Radio Wales.

Christina was one of three finalists in the category, sponsored by Cardiff Business School, and was applauded by judges for the development of a new leadership programme while completely transforming her public service department.

“I was absolutely delighted to receive the award as it is a reflection of the excellent work that has taken place within the Neighbourhood Services department since its formation April last year,” Christina said.

“This award is a celebration of the leadership qualities that are demonstrated across the Council at both an officer and political level.”

A spokesperson for Cardiff Business School, the sponsors of the award, added: “Our judges were really impressed by Christina's obvious commitment to developing her team, and encouraging them towards success both now and in the future.

At the ceremony Robin McBryde, Wales Rugby team’s Assistant Coach – forwards, addressed the guests talking about the importance of leadership in sport. Former First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, also received an honorary award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and for his contribution to the development of leadership in others.

The awards are made up of eight different categories spanning public, private, not-for-profit, social responsibility and the social enterprise sectors as well as recognising individual leadership under the Team Leader and Young Leader (14 - 25 year olds) categories.

The Leading Wales Awards www.leadingwalesawards.com is driven forward by a consortium of organisations that passionately believe that good leadership is the key driver to economic success in Wales. The members are: ACCA Wales, Cardiff Business School, CBI Wales, CMI Cymru, Common Purpose, Harding Evans Solicitors, Hilton Cardiff, Learning Pathways Cymru and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

The two other finalists were David Thomas, chief executive, Eco2 and Sheila Stoner, Intermediate Care Development Manager, Bridgend County Borough Council