Sunshine Coast Council to headhunt new CEO as Debra Robinson appointed as interim
Sunshine Coast Council will headhunt a new $500k a year CEO after the resignation of its previous boss Emma Thomas. See who will be running the huge organisation until then.
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Sunshine Coast Council will headhunt a new $500k a year CEO after the resignation of its previous boss Emma Thomas.
Debra Robinson has been appointed interim CEO, expected to be for the next six months, while the council seeks a new permanent CEO.
The process, which could attract more than 100 applicants, based on the selection of Ms Thomas, is expected to be exhaustive and attract applications nationally and potentially internationally.
The council has a $1billion budget, is one of the largest in Queensland, while the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.
Ms. Robinson who was the Council’s Group Executive for Customer and Planning Services, is an experienced executive with a strong background in local government and the private sector leadership.
However, she has made it clear she will not seek the top job.
Deputy Mayor Maria Suarez told this publication she was “really pleased that Debra is going to be the acting CEO for the period that we are going to be recruiting for a permanent CEO.
“She is a very capable lady and she is well trusted by a lot of staff and councillors within the team so she is an excellent choice.”
Ms. Robinson has been responsible for reshaping the customer-facing services, giving a renewed strength to relationship with key community stakeholders and customising development and community response services.
She has also served as Director Major Projects and Strategic Property where she oversaw the Maroochydore City Centre project and assisted in leading council’s negotiation with the Walker Corporation’s $2.5 billion private sector investment in the CBD.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli expressed her confidence in Ms. Robinson’s ability to provide organisational stability during the recruitment process for a permanent appointment.
“Debra is a highly skilled executive whose leadership qualities will ensure the organisation continues to deliver projects, services and events,” Mayor Natoli said.
“We are fortunate to have an interim CEO of Debra’s calibre and we look forward to working with her and the executive leadership team,” she added.
Mayor Natoli confirmed that Ms. Robinson has indicated she will not be applying for a permanent role.
“This is important as we want to ensure the recruitment process is open, transparent and equitable for all candidates,” Mayor Natoli said.
Emma Thomas recently accepted a six-month appointment and is moving on to lead the independent 2031 Olympic Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.
Ms. Robinson has paid tribute to Ms. Thomas and thanked her for her commitment to building a values-based culture.
“Emma will be greatly missed and we wish her the very best in her future career endeavours, her contribution to the many community groups in which she has been involved, has been appreciated,” Ms. Robinson said.
Ms. Robinson will commence the interim CEO role when Ms. Thomas leaves Sunshine Coast Council on June 14.
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