New Burnside Council boss is not your typical CEO
Meet Chris Cowley, the bald-headed, tattooed, Harley Davidson-riding, martial arts expert who is also the new chief of one of Adelaide’s wealthiest and most controversial councils.
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Chris Cowley concedes that out of a suit, he could easily be mistaken for a bikie.
He has a bald head, tattoo-covered arms, rides a Harley Davidson and is a martial arts expert.
But the 44 year old is comfortable in his skin and confident that he has the skill set needed to run one of SA’s wealthiest and most controversial councils.
The former chief executive at Whyalla Council, who defeated more than 70 candidates to replace Paul Deb as Burnside Council’s CEO, sports numerous tattoos across his arms and back.
He wears a highly prized Bushido Cross around his neck.
The pendant, or a ring, is awarded to senior and committed black belts in the Zen Do Kai form of karate, also known as Bob Jones Martial Arts.
“It means a lot to me that cross,” Mr Cowley says.
“It’s a lifetime’s achievement and an honour to receive it.
“Anyone above a Black Dan can be considered for the cross, but there is no guarantee you’ll receive it.”
Some of Mr Cowley’s tattoos relate to the martial arts, but others celebrate his family and important milestones in his life, including the birth of his only child, daughter Trinity.
“It’s important for the CEO role that I button up and don’t expose the tattoos because I fully understand they aren’t for everybody – but they are important for me,” he says.
“I’ve learned from good and bad mentors along the journey and I determined that I’m happy being me – so why try and be something you’re not.
“I think the community will respect someone who is being themselves.”
Mr Cowley is active on social media, which is where he reveals his love for ‘boys toys’.
His Instagram page is dedicated to his love for a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a vintage Landrover dubbed ‘Franky’.
Adopted at birth, Mr Cowley spent his first few years in Morphett Vale in Adelaide’s south before moving with his adoptive family to Murray Bridge where he went to school.
His first job was with Strathalbyn Council before it amalgamated with Port Elliot and Goolwa Council and part of Willunga Council to form Alexandrina in 1997.
Attaining a Bachelor of Commerce from University of South Australia, he then headed interstate and spent the next 16 years working at Surf Coast, Moira Shire and Hepburn councils in Victoria, and Carrathool Council in NSW.
He was the chief executive at Paroo Shire Council in Queensland before winning the job in Whyalla, commencing in February 2017.
Mr Cowley says he has always been highly driven and strategic in his career choices.
But it has come at a cost, with a recent divorce.
“I haven’t always put my family first but won’t be making the same mistake again,” he says.
“Fortunately, I’m pleased to say, we (my former wife and I) get on well, which is important for our daughter.
“Trinity lives interstate with her mother and me moving to Adelaide will make it easier to visit me.
“She’s in Year 12 and who knows, she might yet choose an SA university.”
Mr Cowley says it was a big thrill to discover his birth family in his mid 20s – most of whom live in SA.
He shares much in common with his birth father Fred and the pair has twice won the Victorian sidecar championships.
No one is prouder of his achievements though than his adoptive mother, Ruth who lives in Happy Valley and is thrilled her son is coming home to live in Adelaide.
Mr Cowley replaces Mr Deb, who was CEO at Burnside for 11 years until he was sacked without notice in June from his $240,000 a year job.
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Mr Deb’s lawyer Greg Griffin has said the dismissal will be challenged in court.
Many in the Burnside area have not forgotten it was less than a decade ago that the Rann state government paid $2 million for an independent inquiry into allegations of bullying and undue influence at the council.
The 1100 page draft report – conducted by former Auditor General Ken Macpherson – remains suppressed by an order of the South Australian Supreme Court.
The new Burnside CEO, who will take up the position early in the New Year, says the Burnside’s history is “certainly intriguing” but he doesn’t see it as an impediment to doing the job well.
“This is a major role and I’m very thankful for the council’s confidence in me,” Mr Cowley said.
“I think my style will bode well for the council.”