THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has appointed experienced civil engineer Penny Marshall as its director for the North-East and for Yorkshire and Humber.

Mrs Marshall has been working as interim director for the North-East region for the past year, having joined ICE as membership development officer in 2012.

The role will see Mrs Marshall, who started on the road to a career in civil engineering at Newcastle University, leading both regions for ICE.

After graduating with a BSc in Civil Engineering, Penny spent a brief period as a high school mathematics teacher before embarking on her engineering career, working in both design and site roles with a number of North-East local authorities.

She later moved to the then Department of Transport Northern Regional Office and spent almost 20 years in the Civil Service.

The role of membership development officer saw Mrs Marshall take on responsibility for advising and guiding members, graduates and trainees throughout their careers.

Mrs Marshall said: “As a civil engineer, membership of the ICE can be a huge support and inspiration, so I am very excited to be taking on directorship of both the North-East and the Yorkshire and the Humber regions. This is a great opportunity to help drive forward the work of ICE in these regions and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

She takes the reins in Yorkshire & Humber from David Tattersall who retires at the end of August.

Mr Tattersall has been a key member of staff working for the Institution for 17 years.