New General Manager for Waverley Council

21 March 2018

MEDIA RELEASE

Waverley Council has appointed a new General Manager.

Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Ross McLeod at its meeting last night.

Mr McLeod comes from Hastings District Council in the Hawkes Bay Region of New Zealand where he was CEO for ten years.

He has a Masters in Public Administration from the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, a Masters in Public Management from Wellington’s Victoria University, a Diploma in Local Government and Administration and a BA in Political Studies from the University of Auckland.

Mr McLeod was the winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Public Management in 2004, awarded annually to the top graduate in the Master of Public Management course. He was also awarded the Holmes Prize for Policy in 2004 for the best research project, School of Government Masters Programs.

He has extensive Board member experience, including as a member of the Central Government/Local Government Chief Executives Forum in New Zealand.

Waverley Mayor John Wakefield said Mr McLeod was chosen from a high quality field of 38 national and international candidates.

“There were some very talented leaders amongst the applicants but I am delighted we have appointed someone with Mr McLeod’s abilities for leadership and governance,” Mayor Wakefield said.

“We were impressed with his experience in asset management, community engagement and development of organisational culture.

“His financial expertise and place making focus were of note during the recruitment process.

“He will have an ongoing challenge to ensure the continued financial sustainability of the Council, to help maintain its significant community focus, grow jobs and encourage investment, and to lead the staff group with a strong focus on customer service.

“Council welcomes Mr McLeod and his family into the Waverley community,” he said.

Mr McLeod said it was a privilege to be the new General Manager of Waverley Council.

“The Waverley area is a special part of Sydney with great neighbourhoods, fantastic beaches and a thriving commercial area,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Councillors, the staff team and the community to capitalise on the opportunities Waverley has in front of it, and to help care for this place
and its people.”