Louise Rusan steps into $350k+ CEO role at Redland after closed-door vote

Louise Rusan has been appointed Redland City’s new CEO while Mayor Jos Mitchell is on leave following a 10-day Olympic fact-finding trip.

Redland City Council has appointed a new CEO, Louise Rusan. The decision was made behind closed doors yesterday at a council meeting which the mayor attended via digital link.

Redland City Council has appointed long-time executive Louise Rusan as its new chief executive while the city’s mayor, Jos Mitchell, is on leave with a chest infection.

Ms Rusan has been acting CEO since the previous CEO, Andrew Chesterman, resigned in September.

Former Redland CEO Andrew Chesterman has been appointed to lead the Queensland Government’s Local Government Red Tape Reduction Taskforce dedicated to engaging with councils across the state to identify and implement strategies that streamline approvals and reduce bureaucratic barriers, thereby enhancing the efficiency of local governments in serving their communities.

She officially steps into the $350,000-plus role following a national recruitment process.

A shortlist of candidates was presented to all councillors behind closed doors before the final decision was made at yesterday’s General Meeting.

The mayor attended parts of the meeting via digital link, while she is recovering from a “serious chest infection” following a 10-day Olympic fact finding tour in Europe.

Mayor Jos Mitchell was away with a serious chest infection when the council appointed Louise Rusan as CEO of Redland council.

In a statement, Mayor Mitchell expressed confidence in Ms Rusan’s ability to drive community-focused outcomes and support the council’s vision for the city’s future.

“Louise’s experience in leading complex organisations and delivering critical strategies will help shape how our region thrives over the next two decades,” Mayor Mitchell said.

Acting Mayor Julie Talty, who presided over yesterday’s confidential meeting, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Ms Rusan’s deep experience and leadership within the council over the past 15 years.

“It is a credit to Louise that her dedication and excellent leadership within Council have been recognised with her selection as CEO,” Cr Talty said.

“Her appointment provides stability and opportunity for both the organisation and the city.”

Ms Rusan holds a Bachelor of Business, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has a Certificate in Organisational Coaching and brings 15 years of private sector experience to the role.

Her experience includes leadership roles at Queensland Motorways, where she helped introduce free-flow tolling.

She also worked at WorkCover Queensland.

Ms Rusan takes on the CEO position immediately, with the council set to begin recruiting for her previous role as General Manager of Community and Customer Services.