Council today appointed recruitment firm Chandler Macleod to lead the process which will scour the country for the best available talent and experience.
A three-person panel will be appointed to select the new CEO. The panel will include local government consultant and former interim Ipswich CEO Gary Kellar, USQ vice-chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, and Steve Greenwood who is a member of the current Interim Management Committee.
Interim administrator Greg Chemello said he would not sit on the selection panel, given the panel’s recommended candidate would be submitted for his formal approval in place of councillors.
“This team is highly respected, and I’m confident they’ll find a person who will move this council into the next decade,” Mr Chemello said.
“This selection process is a very important step in Ipswich Council’s journey towards becoming a leader when it comes to the highest calibre of best-practice service delivery and governance.
“Our mission is to put this council and its 1200 staff on a path which allows them to achieve great things. And this is a critical part of our development.”
During the recruitment phase, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Services Charlie Dill will step into the acting CEO role.
Given his extensive local government background, Mr Kellar will also be a part-time advisor to Mr Dill and council’s executive leadership team during the recruitment process.
Meanwhile, McArthur Recruitment is managing the recruitment of a permanent Chief Operating Officer of Corporate Services, and a shortlist has been completed. Interviews will be in the next two weeks.
Chandler MacLeod will soon start recruiting a permanent Chief Operating Officer for the Works, Parks and Recreation Department.
These two positions are currently filled in an acting capacity.
