The Southern Downs Regional Council says it has finalised the search for a new Chief Executive Officer.
In a brief statement released late today, Friday 14 August, a spokeswoman said “after a comprehensive recruitment process Mr David Burges will be joining Council on 14 September 2020”.
“Council is looking forward to welcoming a new leader to the Southern Downs Regional Council team as we navigate the current changes and challenges and share future successes,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council believe that Mr Burges will bring a fresh perspective to our team and we look forward to benefitting from the extensive experience he has amassed.
“Southern Downs Regional Councillors and staff would like to thank Acting CEO Jane Stroud for all the hard work and dedication she has shown in the past three months.
“Council has been through some very big changes and challenges, but the perseverance and support of such a strong senior leadership team keeps us on the right path to bigger and better things.”
Mr Burges will replace former council CEO David Keenan who left the role in late April.
Ms Stroud has been acting CEO since early May and it is understood she will return to her previous role as Director of Sustainable Development. Craig Magnussen has been acting in that role in the interim.
The council is also recruiting for a replacement for Director of Corporate and Community Services Joanne Morris who the council announced in late July had resigned from her role.
Mayor Vic Pennisi said Ms Morris “leaves her current position to pursue other career opportunities, and while we are sad to see her go, her departure has been very amicable and we wish her all the very best for the future”.
Cr Pennisi said Ms Morris “has led her team professionally and capably, been an invaluable member of the Executive Management Team and played a lead role in steering the budget and a number of other corporate projects during her time at Council”.
