Published on Monday, 7 October 2013 at 12:00:00 AM
This week marks a significant step forward for the Shire of Ashburton as Mr Neil Hartley commences his role as Chief Executive Officer. DOWNLOAD MEDIA RELEASE
Shire President Kerry White was pleased to announce Mr Hartley’s appointment at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 18 July, the first since the Council’s six month suspension to focus on governance training following a probity audit.
“He was clearly the right candidate for this role because he demonstrates the leadership qualities needed to take the organisation forward, especially with the Shire’s portfolio of projects,” said Shire President Kerry White.
Mr Hartley resigned from his position as CEO for the City of Kwinana to accept the new role, and has worked in local government for over 35 years, including a number of rural communities.
“I feel very privileged to be offered the opportunity to be the Shire of Ashburton’s CEO,” said Mr Hartley. “Especially during a time when the Shire is growing very quickly and is making such a considerable contribution to the local, national and international industries,” he said.
Mr Hartley said the staff and councillors have been dealing with some challenging issues during the past several months so it is important the organisation is committed to working cooperatively and with the members of the community.
“All towns in the Ashburton region have good economic development working for them and while there’s huge distances involved, I’m really looking forward to travelling to the different towns, engaging with staff and meeting the people in the community.
“I’ve seen the long term strategic planning that the shire has produced in consultation with the local residents and it’s really exciting to be part of that process and help everybody to reach those goals.”
Mr Hartley commended Acting CEO Frank Ludovico for his efforts in holding the organisation together over the past months. “Frank Ludovico has done a great job in providing the stability the organisation has needed during this challenging time,” he said.
Mr Hartley stated that he has confidence in staff to continue to pursue their projects. “I expect that I will often be guided by their expertise, and I’m the person who mostly manages the strategic environment,” said Mr Hartley. “So my job will be to ensure the Council and the organisation are running properly, and there’s a common theme occurring between the shire and the community.”
“You could say I’m a cross between a captain, a fireman and a mechanic – you’ve got to provide the leadership to keep the ship heading in the right direction, oversee the organisation to ensure it is running efficiently, while at the same time put out the odd inconvenient 'bush fire' along the way.
“I believe the councillors and staff are doing an excellent job in trying their absolute best to ensure the community is well serviced, and my role will be to coordinate that and to make sure those goals identified in the strategic plan are achieved.”
Mr Hartley said that in discussions with Councillors and Acting CEO, Frank Ludovico, that he had heard nothing but confidence in the ability of staff to be able to do their jobs very well.
“My role will be to make sure that the organisation is heading in the direction of the strategic planning that has been set and produced in collaboration with the community,” he said.
“It is my great pleasure to be the CEO of the Shire of Ashburton and I’m looking forward to working and living in the Pilbara - a region which promises exciting times ahead.”
Media Enquiries Contact:
Janyce Smith
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Ph: (08) 9188 4457
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