Geelong council continues search to find permanent chief executive

City Hall is continuing its search for a permanent boss, more than nine months after its chief executive announced his resignation.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan (left) and acting Geelong chief executive Kaarina Phyland (right).

Geelong is continuing its search for a permanent council boss, more than nine months after its former chief executive announced his resignation.

Mayor Trent Sullivan revealed on Thursday the recruiting process will continue after the Victorian local government minister, Lisa Horne, revoked “governance direction” that was preventing a new boss from being employed.

“The council will now resume the process to appoint a CEO for the City of Greater Geelong. I look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the government appointed monitors,” Cr Sullivan said.

Geelong council has been without a permanent chief executive since September last year when Martin Cutter suddenly announced his resignation - just nine months short of finishing his contracted term.

Former council director Kaarina Phyland was appointed as the interim chief executive for a six month period while recruiters found Mr Cutter’s replacement.

In February, two local monitors, Peter Dorling and Prue Digby, were appointed to oversee the recruitment process after the chief municipal inspector looked into council and its chief executive search, focusing on integrity and transparency within the process.

In March, the Geelong Advetiser reported councillor Kylie Grzybek, who works at the Transport Accident Commission, had declared a conflict of interest twice while councillors discussed recruiting a new boss.

Ms Grysbek told the Addy it was because she knows one of the candidates.

“It’s my understanding it’s one of my colleagues at the TAC,” she said.

In January, TAC boss Joe Calafiore announced he would resign from his position once a replacement was found.

The Addy rang Mr Calafiore twice last month but he could not be reached for comment.

After the calls a TAC staffer told the Addy Mr Calafiore would not be available to comment about council’s search for a new chief executive officer.

Originally published as Geelong council continues search to find permanent chief executive