Aaron Johansson, former Chief Executive Officer of Charters Towers Regional Council in Queensland has today been named as the Goulburn Mulwaree Council CEO following a nationwide search for the person to lead the organisation into its exciting future.
Mayor Councillor Peter Walker said he was excited to announce Mr Johansson's appointment after an extensive recruitment process conducted over past months:
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Aaron Johansson as our CEO and Aaron will move here with his charming wife and secondary school age daughter to take up the role, beginning Monday 11 July 2022. Aaron has been appointed on a five-year performance-based contract and looks forward to making our wonderful region his home.
Aaron was twice interviewed by Councillors – travelling to Goulburn to be interviewed in person on both occasions. He impressed all Councillors with his mature approach along with his obvious energy and drive based on his past achievements.
He brings extensive, impressive local government and private sector experience, working for Charters Towers as its CEO for the past five (5) years, and prior to that at Isaac Regional Council for four (4) years as Chief Financial Officer and then as Director Corporate, Governance and Financial Services. Prior to his time in Local Government, Aaron worked in mining, education and financial services management roles.
Aaron has many impressive academic qualifications, and is highly qualified in the areas of finance, planning and business. He is an Australian Institute of Company Directors Graduate and holds a Certificate of Membership from the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Cr Walker said he was looking forward to working with Mr Johansson on the many varied and exciting challenges ahead.
"This will be a big move for Aaron and his family and I am sure the staff and Goulburn Mulwaree community will give the Johansson family a warm and friendly welcome. Aaron has indicated the family is keen to settle in our community. We are very fortunate to have attracted someone of Aaron's calibre, and on behalf of Councillors, staff and the community, we welcome him to this vital appointment for the future of our region.
I also want to thank and recognise our current Acting General Manager, Matthew O'Rourke, and Director of Corporate & Community Services Brendan Hollands who acted in the role from 18th March until 5th May. Council is very appreciate of the outstanding work both Matt & Brendan did in the role and I am sure with the quality of our Executive Team we are in for more great times ahead."
Mr Johansson had this message for the Goulburn Mulwaree community and staff of the Council:
"What a wonderful opportunity the Council has given me to come and be part of the exciting future I see ahead for the Council and its region. Great credit to the Council for the many achievements I can see in the quality facilities and services provided. And, I have been so impressed with the obvious enthusiasm of the Mayor and Councillors to bring to life future projects listed in the Council's planning documents. I am also conscious that the financial sustainability of the Council is paramount so we can continue to give excellent services to our community.
I am particularly looking forward to meeting the staff – the executive and all staff – and I want to establish a very strong partnership across all departments. I am a good listener. I will visit the works staff as a first priority and I want to ensure staff have the resources to do their job effectively and to support their professional goals, aspirations and growth.
"I love being part of a community and will get out and about in my first week to meet as many community members as I can. I want to hear what their Council can improve and they can be assured I will identify the priorities and act upon findings to build a better Goulburn Mulwaree."
