Logan City Council announces new CEO

A replacement has finally been confirmed for a council CEO who was sacked in controversial circumstances, sparking a legal battle.

Logan City Council has announced the appointment of its new chief executive officer, Darren Scott.

The appointment comes after a six-month national and international recruitment process and almost four years after the council sacked its previous CEO, Sharon Kelsey, triggering a bitter industrial relations case and courtroom battle.

In March last year, then Logan administrator Tamara O’Shea introduced the rules for appointing a CEO.

These included appointing an external recruiter experienced in local government to assist with the recruitment process.

Mayor Darren Power said the process to appoint a permanent CEO was one of the most important decisions the council team would make.

“My councillor team and I wanted to make sure we took the time to ensure the process was done right,” Cr Power said.

Logan City Council has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Darren Scott. Photo: contributed.

“The process we put in place right from the start was based on the principles of equality, fairness, confidentiality and merit.

“The whole councillor team was a vital part of the recruitment process, interviewing the short-listed candidates.”

Cr Power said he was looking forward to the certainty the decision would bring for the council and Logan residents.

He also said Mr Scott had a wealth of experience at a senior executive level and was a highly respected leader.

“Darren has a strong background in local government, having served as director of economic development and major projects at the Gold Coast City Council for 11 years,” he said.

“More recently, Darren has served as the deputy director-general in the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, and prior to this was assistant under treasurer for Queensland Treasury.

“He also has a strong proven track record in leading complex and large-scale projects, economic development and investment attraction.”

Logan Mayor Darren Power

Mr Scott said he felt privileged to return to the local government sector, where he could enjoy being part of the community.

“I’m incredibly excited by the opportunity to work with the Mayor and councillors to serve the residents of Logan,” Mr Scott said.

“I was attracted to Logan’s strong sense of community, the unique mix of cultures and its potential ahead of the 2032 Games.

“Logan is experiencing rapid growth and I want to be a key contributor to shaping its future.

“It’s a city that’s evolving and my long-term vision is to help Logan maximise the opportunities on its doorstep to ensure it reaches its full potential.”

Cr Power paid tribute to acting CEO Silvio Trinca, and acknowledged his outstanding work in leading the organisation since February 2018.

“I want to thank Silvio for his strong leadership in encouraging and motivating council’s 1750-strong workforce to deliver the highest standards of service to the community under some of the most challenging circumstances,” he said.

“Among other achievements, Silvio has welcomed in a new mayor and councillor team, led the delivery of a new corporate plan and community vision, and guided the council through four successful budget cycles.

“All this has been achieved while continuing to adapt to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and its far-reaching impacts on the organisation and the community.

“Council is grateful for Silvio’s significant contribution over the past four years, and he has certainly put council in an excellent position to look to the future.”

External recruitment firm Blackadder and Associated were appointed to assist council in the recruitment and appointment of the CEO.

The CEO recruitment panel comprised Cr Power, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, councillors Miriam Stemp and Natalie Willcocks, and independent member Dan Hunt.

Mr Trinca will continue as council’s acting CEO until Mr Scott begins on January 31.

Originally published as Logan City Council announces new CEO