The search for East Gippsland Shire Council’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has started.

Mayor Cr Tom Crook said the appointment is a critical leadership role in our community.

“The new CEO will lead a large organisation working in and for community across our shire, with both the current and new Council,” Cr Crook said.

“Council is looking for a CEO who will enable the community to thrive, through holding community engagement and environmental sustainability as paramount and fostering the conditions for long term financial sustainability and a thriving regional economy. They will have proven experience leading a high performing and customer centric culture to ensure the organisation can meet the future needs of the community,” Cr Crook said.

Cr Crook said the Council group has worked diligently since former CEO Anthony Basford’s resignation in December to set up a robust recruitment process within the obligations of the Local Government Act and has selected experienced executive recruitment agency Davidson to undertake the executive recruitment.

“Councillors have been engaged in developing the success profile for the new CEO and we have set a timeline that targets a preferred candidate selection by April,” Cr Crook said.

“This is an important appointment for the organisation and community, so we can all continue to build on the great work happening in East Gippsland. We look forward to making an appointment and will keep the community updated.”

Council’s General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall has been Acting CEO since mid-January.

At its meeting on Tuesday night, Council determined to extend Ms Weigall’s tenure as Acting CEO until 27 March 2024. General Manager Place and Community Stuart McConnell will be Acting CEO from 28 March until 30 June 2024.

“We are fortunate to have great depth in our organisation. This will ensure we continue to deliver for our community during the recruitment of a new CEO and well into the future,” Cr Crook said

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