Council appoints new CEO

Council is today announcing the appointment of Robyn Stevens as the new CEO of the organisation who will begin in the role on Monday 12 February.

Ms Stevens will be joining the organisation with more than 20 years of experience working in local government including 15 years in leadership and management roles at councils in Victoria.

Mayor Amanda Findley said she was pleased to announce the appointment of someone of the professional calibre of Ms Stevens, who brings a diversity of skills in project delivery, positive leadership and community focused outcomes.

“We look forward to welcoming Ms Stevens to the Shoalhaven as someone who has a strong community focus and proven experience in inspiring positive and productive change in a local government context,” Mayor Findley said.

“It was unanimous amongst the selection panel of Councillors that Ms Stevens had the resilience, integrity and critical thinking skills necessary to lead the organisation through some of the challenging times ahead,” she said.

“Her strong business acumen and broad range of experience in local government and the public sector will be a real asset in setting the path forward.”

Since 2018, Ms Stevens has held the position of Executive Director Community Service Delivery at City of Greater Geelong where she managed more than 1,700 people and was accountable for the development of strategy and policy to deliver best practice services, projects and assets. During the 10 years prior, she managed the operational output of an extensive range of services, projects and activities to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of local communities, including sports clubs, young people, people with disability, seniors and vulnerable people.

Ms Stevens said that she is excited to be joining the Shoalhaven team soon.

“Shoalhaven is known for its beautiful natural scenery and picturesque towns and villages. The city is going through a transformational phase of growth while still recovering from a number of natural disasters caused by extreme weather events during the last few years,” she said.

“I look forward to working with the community, the Council and the organisation to plan for how we meet the community’s vision for the city and continue to rise to these challenges in the immediate future.”

CEO of Shoalhaven City Council, Stephen Dunshea, announced his retirement in September 2023 and will officially finish with the organisation on Friday 9 February.

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