Greater Shepparton City Council has appointed a new chief executive.
The council has announced that Fiona Le Gassick will take over the role from current CEO Peter Harriott from January 15 next year.
She joins the City of Greater Shepparton from TasTAFE, where she has been employed as director of future students and industry, but previously worked for Greater Shepparton City Council for almost 10 years in a range of roles at management and director level.
During her time at Greater Shepparton, Ms Le Gassick oversaw initiatives such as the Greater Shepparton Great Things Happen Here regional development strategy, the Shepp Square showcase at Federation Square and the Greater Victoria Commonwealth Games Pre-feasibility Project.
Mayor Shane Sali said Ms Le Gassick’s appointment would ensure Greater Shepparton continued to grow and prosper.
“Selecting a CEO is an important task under the Local Government Act, and we wanted a leader with a strong vision for the future of our region,” he said.
“We chose a CEO that understands the unique challenges of this region and can take us to the next level of economic growth and opportunity.”
Cr Sali said he and his fellow councillors looked forward to working with the new chief executive to help shape the future direction of the city.
“Ms Le Gassick is an innovative professional with a proven track record in creative strategies to grow the economic profile of Greater Shepparton,” he said.
“The Great Things Happen Here campaign put Greater Shepparton on the map, nationally and internationally.
“The programs Fiona developed included sponsoring Nitro Athletics, taking Greater Shepparton produce to Parliament House, a two-week event in Federation Square and setting up a careers and lifestyle campaign to encourage people to relocate to Greater Shepparton.”
Cr Sali said those personal and professional links with the Goulburn Valley would be strengths for the new CEO when she takes up the role.
“Ms Le Gassick is well-known in this area with strong ties and commitment to our region,” he said.
“She has excellent corporate knowledge, great experience in local government and tertiary education and is well-credentialed for this role.”
Ms Le Gassick wasn’t available for interview but said in a statement issued by the council that she is looking forward to getting started.
“I am truly excited to be returning home to undertake a role of such significance,” she said.
“I look forward to reconnecting with the councillors, council staff, local businesses and the community as we continue to strengthen all that Greater Shepparton has to offer.
“It is a privilege to be selected as the next chief executive officer of Greater Shepparton City Council, and I appreciate the faith of the councillors in being able to lead Greater Shepparton into the future.”
Ms Le Gassick said her local knowledge of the area would help her in the role.
“Being a long-term and active champion of Greater Shepparton, I have a first-hand understanding of the uniqueness, strengths and opportunities for growth at both an organisational and community level,” she said.
“As CEO, I will continue to work collaboratively to deliver outcomes that support the communities of Greater Shepparton and broader region.”
Mr Harriott’s contract concludes early in January next year, and six months out from that date, the council was obliged to decide whether to offer him an extension or to advertise the role.
During an additional meeting on July 4 this year, councillors decided to advertise the chief executive’s position.
Mr Harriott has been in the role since January 2016. His last official day in the position will be January 4.