Murrindindi Shire Council is pleased to announce the appointment of its Acting Chief Executive Officer (A/CEO), Mr Michael Chesworth who will take up the role on 12 October 2020.
Mr Chesworth has extensive senior executive experience in local government, and has been with Council for over 20 years. He is currently Director of Corporate and Shared Services, which oversees Council’s business services and governance functions.
Council’s CEO, Craig Lloyd said he is extremely pleased with the appointment.
‘Michael is the right choice as Council’s Acting CEO. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as a new Council will shortly be elected. His skills, experience and knowledge of the community will be vital in ensuring a smooth transition to a new Council in November.
Mr Chesworth has been appointed as Acting CEO for a period of up to 12 months, which will allow the new Council to settle in before embarking on the process of appointing a permanent CEO.
‘Mr Chesworth is well-placed to continue the important work Council is doing to support the community and business through the pandemic and into the recovery phase.
‘He has played an integral role in Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so. He also understands the challenges facing Murrindindi Shire and was heavily involved in the recovery and reconstruction efforts following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires that devastated the municipality. He has a passion for our community and the business skills to ensure we remain on the right path’, added Mr Lloyd.
Mr Chesworth said he was delighted to have been appointed as Council’s acting CEO.
‘I’m honoured to be offered the opportunity to lead the organisation as Acting CEO. Over the past six months, I’ve witnessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our work, our families and our communities and I’m immensely proud of the strength we have shown as a community to get to where we are today.
‘We are heading into another period of change with the forthcoming Council elections and it is my hope, during my time as Acting CEO, to provide the community and Council staff with sound leadership and stability.
Mr Chesworth added that he also wanted to acknowledge and personally thank Mr Lloyd for the important work he has done over the past two and a half years.
‘Craig has played an instrumental role in supporting our community through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the 10 year anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. He has led a significant positive culture change within Council and has been very successful in attracting State and Federal Funding to advance a range of projects within the Shire. We all agree he is leaving big shoes to fill. I am looking forward to the challenge in the interim and assisting the new Council in the process of selecting a new CEO’, added Mr Chesworth.
