New CEO appointed - Ms Carol Jeffs

Councillors unanimously resolved to appoint Ms Jeffs for a five-year term at a Special Council meeting last night (Monday 23 July).

Ms Jeffs will commence on Monday 8 October 2018 following the retirement of long-standing CEO Garry McQuillan.

Cr Ross said he was thrilled with the appointment of Ms Jeffs after an extensive recruitment process facilitated by external specialists.

“Carol comes to Cardinia Shire Council with extensive experience in local government management and leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to community engagement and participation,” he said.

“As one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, it is essential that we continue to deliver quality services and infrastructure to our established and new communities in the most efficient way possible. Carol is an outstanding choice to ensure the organisation is well-placed to meet the challenge.”

A Cardinia Shire resident for the past four years, Ms Jeffs brings more than 15 years’ experience as a senior local government executive, having led planning, corporate services, economic development and community services at both regional and inner metropolitan councils.

She has recently held positions of Interim Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Community and Economic Development at the City of Port Phillip, and was previously General Manager Governance and Manager City Planning at Latrobe City Council.

Ms Jeffs said she was looking forward to working closely with councillors and staff to continue to deliver high quality services and infrastructure across the whole shire.

“As a proud Cardinia Shire resident, I am delighted to have this opportunity to make a difference in a place that I know and love,” Ms Jeffs said.

“I look forward to advocating strongly for what Cardinia Shire needs going forward and engaging with residents, community groups, farmers, businesses and landowners, as we take up the challenge of creating a future we can all be proud of.”

Ms Jeffs holds qualifications in business (Bachelor of Business) and economics (Master of Economics), is a Harvard University Executive Program graduate and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.