Ipswich City Council appoints Sonia Cooper as new chief executive officer
The council’s newly appointed chief executive officer said one of her key goals in her new role will be rebuilding Ipswich residents’ trust in the leadership of the organisation.
Ipswich
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Ipswich City Council has appointed its first female chief executive officer in history, marking the end of a seven month-long recruitment process.
Longtime public servant and member of the council’s executive team Sonia Cooper had been acting CEO since David Farmer resigned from the position in March.
On Thursday, she was officially named the new CEO.
The historic announcement came two weeks after Ipswich City councillors interviewed final candidates and unanimously voted in favour of Ms Cooper.
Ipswich City Council is now one of just six councils in the state to have both a female mayor and CEO.
Formerly the council’s general manager of corporate services, Ms Cooper said her priorities as CEO were to rebuild the trust of the Ipswich workforce and community in the council’s leadership.
“I’m incredibly excited by the opportunities we have before us and am absolutely committed to leading the council team to bring our best and work together for the community we are here to serve,” Ms Cooper said.
“As Queensland’s fastest growing city, I understand the importance of the role, and the significant priorities, opportunities and challenges facing (the) council and the community.
“I welcome the opportunity to partner with Mayor Teresa Harding and our councillors in leading our council and its 1400-plus employees.”
Ms Cooper started at Ipswich City Council in February last year, following a seven-year stint as a deputy commissioner with the state government’s Public Service Commission.
Previously, she worked as CEO of the State Library of Queensland, assistant director-general of human resources with the Education Department and general manager of corporate and risk with the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the appointment ends a rigorous process to find the most suitable candidate to build trust in council operations.
The recruitment panel to pick the councils’ new CEO comprised of Mayor Harding, councillors Jacob Madsen, Marnie Doyle and Andrew Fechner, an independent member and former state government Minister Rachel Nolan.
It is understood the council received an unusual amount of interest in the position, with executive recruitment firm Davidson sifting through 84 applications received from candidates across the country.
Ms Cooper is expected to receive an impressive pay packet of between $450,000 and $550,000 per year in her new role.
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