It’s with both sadness and gratitude that the council announces the retirement of Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis, Corporate Director for Corporate Services and Monitoring Officer for the city council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Authority.
Abraham, a tireless advocate for public service and equality, will be retiring in September following a period of ill health and a long and distinguished career with the council.
Abraham said: “I am really sad to be leaving the council after 37 wonderful years and will miss all the fantastic colleagues I had the privilege to work with over the years.
“42 years ago, in 1982, I came to Britain from Eritrea as an asylum seeker. Britain gave me sanctuary and 37 years ago, this lovely city welcomed me as its citizen and I made it my home.
“The same year, against all odds, the council took the risk and gave me my first job as a trainee solicitor and surrounded me with fantastic managers and colleagues who educated me and picked me up when I was down.
“I had the unique privilege of working with people who were ready to see beyond my refugee status, skin colour, unusual name or accent and see what I was able to do.
"The support, guidance, love and encouragement I received from Members and Officers over the years is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“I have always tried to give my best and I hope I have managed to repay some of it. The council, in many ways, has been like a family to me. I am proud of everything we have achieved and will be leaving the council with fond memories.
“I was with the council when it became a unitary authority in 1997. It has gone through lots of challenges, changes of governance and political control.
"But it has always remained true to the Brighton & Hove spirit: passionate, people centred, values-driven, daring to be different and, yes, a bit quirky in that it often did things in its own way and never simply followed the herd as many others did.
"Its ambition and drive meant you were always stretched as an officer, but working with fantastic colleague and supportive members made it a joy to be part of.
“I would like to thank Bella, Jess, my colleagues in the Corporate Leadership Team and my Directorate Management Team as well as the many Members and officers I have had the pleasure to work with for their help, support, understanding and good wishes when I have been unwell.
"I am also grateful for the fantastic work that the BME Workers Forum have done in supporting its members. I am sorry that I have not been able to give them as much support as I would have liked to.
1. Thank you Britain for being there for me in my hour of need;
2. Thank you Brighton & Hove City Council for your trust in me and for giving me the opportunities, and
3. Thank you to all my colleagues, including those is my Corporate Services Directorate, for your support. You are the best.
“You will always be in my heart and I will always be rooting for you for as long as I am around.”
Throughout his career, Abraham has been instrumental in championing race equality within the council.
His advocacy for Black and Global Majority communities and his role as an equality champion and link with the council’s BME Workers Forum has made a difference internally and in the city.
Abraham's dedication to supporting local political leaders, council staff, partner organisations and the wider community has been unwavering.
His efforts in mentoring and guiding colleagues, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, have fostered a culture of openness and inclusivity.
Reflecting on Abraham’s legacy, Council Leader Bella Sankey said: “Abraham is an outstanding public servant, and he has served Brighton & Hove with passion and distinction.
“His razor-sharp mind, his integrity and love of our city are unparalleled. Abraham's journey from a person seeking asylum to becoming the beating heart of our civic life represents everything our city and country should offer to those seeking sanctuary.
“We will miss Abraham greatly, but his enormous legacy and example will endure at Brighton & Hove City Council for years to come.
Dawn Whittaker, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "In leaving the council, Abraham's tenure as the Monitoring Officer and principal legal advisor to East Sussex Fire Authority also concludes.
“Abraham always provided discreet guidance to members of the Fire Authority and for many years contributed to the smooth running of public meetings.
“On a personal note, Abraham was also a real pleasure to work with as Chief Fire Officer and I appreciated his support, good humour and counsel on many matters over the eight years we have worked together. I wish him the very best wishes for his retirement.”
Chief Executive Jess Gibbons paid tribute to Abraham's contributions: "Abraham's commitment to our community and his unwavering dedication to equality and public service have left an indelible mark on our organisation.
“I know that he has earnt the respect and admiration from so many people across the city, from politicians past and present, to partner organisations and of course myself and council staff.
“His leadership, wisdom, and compassion have inspired us all. We are profoundly grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Abraham. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire the council in our ongoing mission to serve and support the diverse communities of Brighton & Hove.
“Abraham, thank you, you are Brighton & Hove’s very own national treasure.”