Hunt for CEO set to begin

By DavId Kavanagh | posted on January 16, 2020

A NATIONWIDE search for the Shire of Denmark’s new Chief Executive Officer will begin soon, several months after former CEO Bill Parker resigned from the top job.

Shire President Ceinwen Gearon told the Weekender Council would begin looking for a CEO “shortly” and expected to have the role filled prior to June 30.

Currently acting CEO David Schober is administering the duties of CEO.

“Under the Local Government Act, a Council may appoint an acting CEO for up to 12 months,” Cr Gearon said.

“Council will be looking to commence a national search for a CEO shortly and can offer up to a five year contract to the successful candidate.

“The process will involve advertising nation- ally and appointing a sub-delegation of councillors to conduct the recruitment process.”

Mr Schober took on the job on September 30 after Mr Parker left to take on a leadership position as General Manager of the Corporate Services Alliance at the City of Perth.

Previously he has worked as the Shire’s Manager of Community Services and has held executive positions at the City of Albany and St John Ambulance.

He said he would consider whether to apply for the substantive position once it was officially advertised.

“I have found the job to be incredibly rewarding and have thoroughly enjoyed working with Shire staff and Council,” Mr Schober added.

“I am enjoying the opportunity to develop new opportunities for Denmark whilst building on a solid foundation left by the previous Shire CEO Bill Parker.

“The projects identified in the Long Term Financial Plan will, over the next few years, add enormous value to Denmark as a place to both live and visit.”

In August, Cr Gearon said the decision to appoint an interim acting CEO was influenced by a number of factors, including the 2019 Local Government Election held on October 19.

“Council felt that it would be unfair for an outgoing Council to appoint a permanent CEO,” she said at the time.

“For the position to be successful, the group felt the new Council should have ownership over the CEO recruitment and appointment process.”