Tony Harrison named as Marion Council’s new chief executive

A former assistant police commissioner and state government department chief executive has been named leader of a local council.

A former state government executive and assistant police commissioner has been named as Marion Council’s new chief executive.

Tony Harrison will take the reins at the western council following the resignation of Adrian Skull earlier this year.

Mr Harrison acknowledged the work of Mr Skull who served the council for more than five years.

“Marion has an outstanding reputation and it is a privilege to be appointed its chief executive

officer,” he said.

Marion Council's new chief executive, Tony Harrison. Picture: Marion Council

“The council has a significant program delivery underway and I look forward to advancing that while maintaining the high standard of service to the community.”

Mr Harrison rose through the ranks of SA Police and served as assistant police commissioner.

He later worked as chief executive of the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission and Departments of Human Services, Education and Child Development, Communities and Social Inclusion.

He also served on various community boards including Crime Stoppers and Minda Incorporated and various policing and drug enforcement committees as well as being named a White Ribbon ambassador.

Mr Harrison will officially take the reigns from April 27.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna congratulated the new chief on his appointment.

“Adrian Skull served us well and we are looking forward to starting an exciting new chapter with Tony Harrison,” he said.

At the time of his resignation, Mr Skull said he knew it was time to begin a new phase of his life.

“It has been the highlight of my working life,” he said.

“The decision to leave hasn’t been easy – but I feel it is time to ‘hang up my boots’ and move on to new beginnings in semi-retirement.”