Council appoints senior staff ahead of elections

Central Coast Council has confirmed five executive appointments to its Leadership Team less than four months before the first election of councillors for the new LGA.

According to the Local Government Act one of the first responsibilities of an elected council is to "determine ...the senior staff positions within the organisation structure of the council, the roles and reporting lines (for other senior staff) of holders of senior staff positions, the resources to be allocated towards the employment of staff".

However, rather than wait for an elected council to determine its senior management structure and team, administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and interim chief Mr Rob Noble have made senior appointments following "an exhaustive external recruitment process attracting candidates from across Australia".

An interim leadership team was appointed at the time of the formation of the Council to lead the organisation through the initial stages of amalgamation.

"The calibre of candidates we attracted is particularly pleasing and highlights the strong interest in working for a new local government area that is now a major region in its own right with so many opportunities to really make a difference," Mr Noble said.

"I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and truly committed to transforming our organisation and making the Central Coast the very best it can be."

"These leaders have an established track record and have ably risen to the challenges of our first year as one Council and I am pleased to continue to serve the Central Coast community with them."

The confirmed appointments are: Mr Mike Dowling as group leader (assets, infrastructure and business); Mr Scott Cox as group leader (environment and planning); Mr Stephen Naven as chief financial officer; Ms Kellie Reeves as executive manager (people and culture); and Mr Brian Glendenning as executive manager (governance).

They join Ms Julie Vaughan as group leader (connected communities) and chief information officer Mr David Kennedy who were appointed to their positions last year with Ms Sally Ingram as executive manager (transformation and business performance), rounding out the leadership team.

Mr Reynolds welcomed the appointments and said they would provide the stable leadership the organisation needs to continue to support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.

"I have worked with these leaders from the start of my time here and I rate them as some of the best executives I have come across in my long career," Mr Reynolds said.

"They have been here from the start and will continue to lead the organisation as it goes from strength to strength."

The leadership team are employed under contracts in accordance with the form of contract for senior staff under the Local Government Act.

SOURCE:

Media release, May 25, 2017

Rob Noble, Central Coast Council