It has been a busy couple of weeks of senior executive news, with CEOs and GMs on the move across multiple states.
This week, the CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, Kerryn Ellis, announced her resignation after five years in the role. Ms Ellis joined the council in March 2020 during COVID lockdowns and led the organisation out of a period of administration and back to elected representation in 2021.
She is leaving to join the Victorian Ombudsman’s office where she says will continue to work closely with the local government sector.
Ms Ellis is the second Gippsland council CEO to announce a move in as many weeks, after Mark Dupe last week revealed he is stepping away from full time work and relocating from Baw Baw Shire Council.
Baw Baw executive Martin Hopley has been announced as the interim CEO until next August or until a new permanent CEO is selected.
There are currently nine Victorian councils looking to appoint a new CEO in the coming months.
In NSW, Yass Valley Council has terminated the employment of its CEO Chris Berry, with no reason given for the decision. Julie Costa, a current council director, has been appointed Acting CEO.
Coffs Harbour City Council‘s first female General Manager has unexpectedly resigned, according to the Daily Telegraph. Natalia Cowley, who is also an awarding winning accountant, has held the role since July 2022. There has been no formal announcement from the council, and Ms Cowley is still listed on the Council website as its General Manager.
At Griffith City Council, GM Brett Stonestreet revealed at the council’s latest meeting that he will not be seeking re-appointment when his contract expires next August. The revelation came as the council moved to establish a General Manager recruitment sub-committee.
Craig Milburn retires from local government next week, stepping down as General Manager of Kempsey Shire. Corporate and commercial director Stephen Mitchell has been appointed acting GM from the 16th December.
South Australia’s Southern Mallee District Council has appointed Mark McShane as interim CEO, to take over from Lachlan Miller who departs in January.
And in Tasmania, Devonport City Council‘s General Manager Matthew Atkins has been reappointed to his position for a second five year term. His title will change to Chief Executive Officer from the 1st January.
Listen to the Local Government News Roundup podcast for the latest senior appointment news from councils across the country.