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Jersey’s top civil servant has been made an OBE for 30 years’ service to local government in Northern Ireland – but the news nearly didn’t reach her.
Before becoming Jersey's first ever female Chief Executive at the beginning of February, Suzanne Wylie held the top role at Belfast City Council.
Having joined as an environmental health officer straight after graduating from the University of Ulster, she rose up the ranks to become Chief Executive in 2014.
There, she became well-known for her dedication to her work – sometimes spotted cycling home as late as 23:00 – and ability to build consensus among disparate voices.
Among her key priorities were community cohesion, reducing health inequalities and making Belfast more vibrant, safe and sustainable.
One of her final achievements was negotiating a £850m investment package to help deliver projects spanning tourism regeneration, Life and Health Sciences, creative industries, manufacturing and digital development.
Pictured: Suzanne Wylie joined Belfast City Council as an environmental health officer after graduating from university. (Belfast City Council)
Mrs Wylie told the PA news agency she was "delighted" to have been included on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours list.
Rather than being sent to her new home in Jersey, where she lives with her husband and two dogs, the letter informing Mrs Wylie that she was to be made been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) was directed to the family home in Belfast.
As it looked "official", her daughter opened it while on the phone to Mrs Wylie, and then sent her the pictures.
"It was a big surprise. I was shocked because I wasn't really expecting it," she said.
In a previous interview with Express marking her first day working in Jersey, she described it as a "privilege to have been trusted to lead in a public service environment for so many years."
"I passionately believe in the transformational role that excellent public services have in supporting the quality of people's everyday lives and also the shape and sustainability of the place (be that a city, a town or an island), its economy, environment and communities well into the future," she said.
"I also believe that public service is a vocation and requires full commitment, empathy, integrity, determination, ability to listen and act to address people's problems and to identify and go after the right opportunities."
Also on the Queen's Birthday Honours list were seven individuals recognised for their services to Jersey's community:
The Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq, is being made a 'Sir'.
Relief Magistrate and former Jurat Anthony Olsen is being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for honorary services to the Royal Court and services to the community.
Vic Tanner-Davy is being awarded an MBE is for services to the community through the promotion of diversity and inclusion.
Toni Roberts is receiving an MBE forservices to the community through Jersey Overseas Aid and the Rotary Club of Jersey.
Michael Van Neste is being made an MBEfor services to the community as Chair of the Jersey Homes Trust.
Barbara Ball will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community as a dedicated volunteer.
Joan Tapley’s BEM is for services to the community through the protection and promotion of Jersey’s native language, Jèrriais.
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