Derby City Council stalwart Kelly Boden has been chosen as the new head of planning and feasibility for Via East Midlands.
Ms Boden's most recent role was group manager for highway assets and streetworks for Derby, but she has also held the roles of streetpride coordinator, programme and policy manager, highway asset team leader, streetpride area manager for highways, interim head of service (highways) and streetpride service manager (highways).
Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Ms Boden said: ‘After 29 years at Derby City Council, I'm delighted to share that I'm starting a new position as Head of Planning and Feasibility at Via East Midlands from 1 September.
‘Looking forward to this new chapter and seeing what the wider world has to offer.'
Ms Boden is a well-known and popular figure in UK highways, who is well-respected for her commitment to the sector.
As well as managing in Derby, she has also taken a leadership role in regional winter service and carried out important road safety research together with Dr Helen Viner.
In recognition of these efforts, she has been shortlisted for the 2026 Highways Champions Innovation Award.
Via East Midlands is wholly owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and is responsible for providing sustainable highways services for the county and across the wider East Midlands area.
Be sure to book your table here before 11 September to take advantage of our early bird discount so you can support her and all other nominees on 4 November at the InterContinental Park Lane in London, and check out the full Roll of Honour here!
