The new chief executive officer of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been announced, with ex City of Bunbury director Stephanie Addison-Brown revealed as the successful candidate.
Ms Addison-Brown will come to the Shire from the City of Bunbury where she has served as the Director of Corporate and Community Services for seven years and the Director Planning and Development for one year.
In that capacity, she oversaw the operation of the Bunbury Wildlife Park, Bunbury City Library, Withers Library, Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, Bunbury Visitor Centre, and the South West Sports Centre.
The new chief executive expressed her delight at being identified as the preferred candidate from the 45 applications received.
"I am both excited and privileged to have been given this wonderful opportunity by Council, and am very much looking forward to joining the AMR team at the end of July," Ms Addison-Brown said.
"The Council has a clear vision and mission to create a sustainable future for its community by protecting the natural environment, strengthening communities, fostering local economic prosperity and responsibly managing the community's infrastructure and assets, and it will be my role to work with Council, the Shire team, the community and a range of other stakeholders to deliver this."
The announcement of the appointment comes after a Special Meeting of Council was called last Friday to finalise the selection process.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River President Pam Townshend said Council had absolute confidence Ms Addison-Brown has the right depth and breadth of experience to guide the administration into the future.
"We are very pleased so have secured a leader of Stephanie's calibre," she said.
"It is also wonderful to have found someone so close to the region who has such a deep understanding of our local community and environment.
"I congratulate Stephanie on her appointment and extend to her our warmest welcome to the Shire."
Cr Townshend said there were a number of "high calibre" applicants, with five selected for interviews from the pool of 45 applications.
Previous CEO Gary Evershed retired from the role in November 2018, with Acting CEO Dr Dale Putland providing interim leadership until the permanent appointment is commenced.
The confirmation comes on the heels of a number of shakeups within local governments in the South West.
In March 2018, after 16 years at the helm of the Shire of Capel, Paul Sheedy retired from the position and was replaced by current chief executive Ian McCabe.
Two months later, Shire of Harvey ex-chief executive Michael Parker announced he would depart the job after 15 years of service.
It was then announced in August that AMR Shire Director Corporate and Community Services Annie Riordan would take over from Mr Parker.
