‘Big shoes to fill’: Isaac council searches for new CEO

Incumbent CEO is retiring after a 40-year career in local council.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker and CEO Gary Stevenson.

Isaac Regional Council is on the search for a new CEO as Gary Stevenson prepares to retire.

Mr Stevenson, incumbent CEO, will retire after a 40-year career in local government and five years of dedicated service to IRC.

Mayor Anne Baker said Mr Stevenson’s trusted advice was instrumental in shaping the future direction of council and the region.

“Gary informed council early last year that he intended to retire in 2021, so we have been able to put in place a thoughtful and orderly plan to ensure a smooth transition to the incoming CEO,” Mrs Baker said.

“Gary has guided our organisation through significant challenges and milestones during his time with us – including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across our communities.

“Although council is very reluctant to farewell Gary, we respect his decision and understand that he wants to spend more time with his family.”

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IRC has engaged local government recruitment specialist Leading Roles to recruit the new CEO.

Leading Roles principal, Mark Ogston, said there were “big shoes to fill” as Mr Stevenson had been an exemplary leader in the local government sector.

“Leading Roles placed Gary as the CEO of Isaac Regional Council in May 2016,” Mr Ogston said.

“Gary has successfully led the council and positioned it as a stable, progressive organisation that values its people and achieves positive outcomes for its community.”

The Isaac region spans from coastal towns like Carmila to Clermont in the west, covering a broad range of communities.

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Isaac Regional Council is seeking a highly capable and experienced chief executive who will lead the development of council’s strategy, community and organisational planning and drive the organisation into its next phase of advancement and service delivery.

For a confidential discussion about the CEO role, contact Mr Ogston on 0407 674 412 or email [e-mail]

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