City of Hobart appoints new CEO following retirement of Nick Heath

After 30 years at the helm Hobart City Council’s longstanding general manager will stand down, and after a national search a replacement has been named for the high-power position.

• Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath announces intention to step down from April 2021
• Cold and wet conditions across Tasmania

AFTER 30 years at the helm Nick Heath will stand down from the City of Hobart next month and after an extensive national recruitment process a replacement has been named for the high power, well-paid position.

Experienced local government executive Kelly Grigsby, currently the CEO of Victoria’s Wyndham City Council, has been appointed the next CEO.

Mr Heath will step down from the role on 9 April.

Ms Grigsby has extensive leadership experience and achievements in the local government sector in Victoria.

City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has welcomed the appointment of a new CEO following the resignation of Nick Heath. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said council was pleased to have secured someone of Ms Grigsby’s calibre and experience.

“She has been at the helm of one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, with a population of 280,000, since 2015,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Kelly is recognised in the local government sector as an innovative, result-focused and visionary organisational leader. We look forward to welcoming her to Hobart.”

Ms Grigsby is recognised as a sought-after leader with significant intergovernmental influencing experience at state, national and international levels, and is a highly respected CEO with strategic foresight, committed to public value, innovation and building inclusive communities.

With qualifications in planning, development economics and community development, Ms Grigsby commenced with Wyndham City Council in 2012 as the Director of Community Development.

Ms Grigsby’s appointment will carry the title of CEO – formerly general manager during Mr Heaths time – which is in line with other capital cities.

She will be the City of Hobart’s first female top executive and one of only a few in Tasmania.

Kelly Grigsby pictured when she was appointed Wyndham Council's new chief executive in 2015.

Ms Grigsby will succeed general manager of 12 years Nick Heath, who announced in October that he would be stepping down from the role on 9 April.

Analysis by the Mercury showed that in 2019 Mr Heath was the highest paid general manager in Tasmania earning between $360,000-379,999 per year.

“Nick has served the Hobart community for more than 30 years in an outstanding local government career,” Cr Reynolds said.

“As general manager for the past 12 years, his vast experience, knowledge and leadership has been invaluable.

“He is respected by his colleagues and Elected Members and we wish him the very best.”

Mr Heath welcomed the incoming CEO to the role.

“The City of Hobart is an outstanding organisation with a skilled and dedicated workforce,” he said.

“I’m confident that Kelly will find the role as rewarding as I have and that her experience and leadership will be valued by the organisation as it navigates the challenging post-COVID era.”

Ms Grigsby has been appointed for a term of five years and will start in the role on 10 May, 2021.

Following Mr Heath’s departure in April, Deputy General Manager Tim Short will act in the role until Ms Grigsby commences.