Orange City Council will look to recruit a new CEO later in 2025 after CEO David Waddell announced at the Council meeting last night that he would not seek a new contract.
Orange City Council CEO David Waddell.
Mr Waddell has been CEO for more than six years when he replaced Mr Garry Styles in 2019. Previously Director of Development Services, he has been with Council since 2009.
Having turned 60 in 2024 and with his three children now independent, Mr Waddell said he had decided to step away from full time work into lesser roles and spend more time with his family and pursue less intense work opportunities.
"It is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that I announced to Council that I will not be renewing my contract in September this year," he said.
"It has been a great privilege to lead the staff of Orange City Council over the last 6 years and I am very proud of the achievements that Council and staff have made in the last period including the efforts during Covid, drought and through extraordinary growth in our beautiful town."
"It is time for me to step aside from the role and let someone else take Orange forward. Having said that I won't be leaving until August 2025 and there is a lot still to do."
"I have done this with a great deal of thought and discussion with my family and I'd like to thank them for their infinite patience."
Mayor Tony Mileto said: "Mr Waddell has given 15 years to Orange City Council with 6 years as CEO and I'd like to thank him for leading so well the organisational side of Council over that period. His legacy will be significant. I look forward to farewelling him properly later in the year."
Mr Waddell will finish up in August 2025. Council will commence recruitment in April.
