Kiama Council has appointed Edward Paterson as the interim Director Planning, Environment & Communities while recruitment for the position takes place.
Mr Paterson is currently the Head of Implementation, leading Council's work to meet the requirements of the NSW Government's Performance Improvement Order.
CEO Jane Stroud said Mr Paterson's skills and technical abilities, including an understanding of planning and housing issues made him well-equipped to manage the wide-ranging responsibilities and challenges of the role.
"Anyone who has worked with Ed, either at Kiama Council or elsewhere in his extensive local government career, knows of his considerable talents, his passion for his work and his caring attitude to his colleagues," Ms Stroud said.
"His laser-like focus and enthusiasm tackling the tasks of our Performance Improvement Order (PIO) makes him ideal to step up into this Director role at short notice."
"He is more than able to handle our corporate priorities concerning catalyst sites, service reviews, the PIO and onboarding a new council.
Ms Stroud said the three-month appointment would allow Council to conduct a thorough executive recruitment process for a permanent replacement for former director Jessica Rippon.
Council has selected Capstone Recruitment to lead the recruitment process.
