Snowy Monaro Regional Council has today announced the appointment of Stephen Dunshea as the organisation's new interim chief executive, following the resignation of David Hogan in October 2024.
Council voted to offer the temporary leadership role to the 40-year veteran of local government during the confidential session of the November Council meeting in Jindabyne on Thursday 14 November 2024.
'I look forward to working with Council and the community to build on existing strengths and help deliver positive outcomes for the Snowy Monaro region. There are exciting opportunities ahead, and I'm committed to supporting the organisation through this important transition period,' said Mr Dunshea.
An accomplished executive with over four decades of experience in local government, Mr Dunshea has held senior roles at some of New South Wales' largest councils.
As CEO of Shoalhaven City Council, he successfully led the organisation through 14 natural disasters, including the devastating Currowan Fires, while implementing long-term growth strategies and securing significant funding for infrastructure and community projects.
His career has included senior executive positions at Woollahra, Wagga Wagga and Blacktown councils, where he has been recognised for his collaborative leadership style and focus on community outcomes.
Mr Dunshea will serve as the organisation's transitional leader over the next six months, ensuring business continuity and enabling the recently elected governing body to undertake a comprehensive recruitment process for a new permanent chief executive.
'Stephen comes to us with an incredible track record. He's done exactly what we need to do – transformed other councils to be more efficient and sustainable. That's the kind of experience we need right now,' said Mayor Chris Hanna.
'This interim appointment gives us the breathing room to do a proper search for our next permanent CEO. It's a crucial role for our region's future, and we need to make sure we get the right person for the job.'
Council will consider a report at the December meeting regarding expressions of interest from recruitment agencies to undertake the permanent CEO recruitment process, which is expected to commence in January 2025.
