Patricia Huertas is a strategic leader with over 20 years’ experience designing and delivering programmes that improve economic growth, including skills, employment opportunities, and economic inclusion across the public and private sectors.
As Assistant Director of Economy and Growth at Surrey County Council, she oversees initiatives that help residents develop the skills needed to access good-quality employment, progress in their careers, and participate fully in the local economy.
Patricia has extensive experience in leading transformational change, business improvement, complex contract management, and high-performing teams. Throughout her career, she has developed and delivered programmes focused on workforce development, employability, and inclusive growth, working with employers, education providers, government partners, and community organisations to improve outcomes for people and places and support long-term economic prosperity.
She has held senior leadership roles at the Natural History Museum, where she led major transformation and income-generation programmes, and has delivered large-scale regeneration and economic development initiatives in the UK and internationally. Her work has consistently focused on creating sustainable opportunities for individuals and communities through skills development, partnership working, and inclusive growth.
Patricia combines strong strategic leadership with a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement, bringing together partners across the public, private, voluntary, and education sectors to improve employment outcomes, develop local talent, and help communities thrive.
