UPPER Hunter Shire Council's newly-appointed general manager has finally been revealed.
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Mr Greg McDonald, who currently works for Willoughby City Council as Director Customer and Corporate, and previously Director Planning and Infrastructure, will take the reins on January 18, 2021.
Mr McDonald has extensive leadership, technical and engineering skills working within local government and utilities environments since 1990. He has previously worked at regional councils in Dungog and Wyong.
He replaces former general manager Steve McDonald, who resigned from the position in July, citing personal reasons.
Council then appointed an interim general manager, Glenn Inglis, to oversee the organisation over the past few months while recruitment was underway for a permanent GM.
However that tenure was cut short in October, with Mr Inglis stepping down due to medical reasons, and Director of Corporate Services Kristian Enevoldson stepping in as acting general manager.
Mr McDonald was chosen from a field of 22 applicants and the recruitment process was conducted with assistance from Local Government NSW.
Mayor Maurice Collison said several councillors interviewed eight shortlisted applicants and Greg McDonald was the unanimous choice.
"Greg McDonald brings the right mix of experience and expertise to manage a $112M annual budget - including the many services, businesses, facilities, infrastructure assets and human resources - and ensure that Council is financially sustainable," he said.
"In the Upper Hunter we have a substantial focus on infrastructure, roads and bridges, and utility services such as water.
"Council provides important community services such as libraries and sporting facilities and plays a leadership role in economic development and tourism.
"I'm confident the new General Manager will lead our staff to create a more responsive, efficient and effective organisation delivering across the shire."