MEDIA RELEASE - Councillors offer unanimous support to new Council CEO
An experienced local leader with a passion for delivering for the people of the Sutherland Shire – that’s the commitment put forward by Sutherland Shire Council’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Clare Phelan.
Ms Phelan, who currently serves as Council’s Director of Corporate Support, received the unanimous support of Council’s elected representatives last night at an extraordinary meeting held to select the next head of Sutherland Shire Council.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Councillor Carmelo Pesce said he was delighted at the unequivocal support Councillors offered to Ms Phelan in taking on the role of CEO, saying it spoke volumes of the esteem she is held in within the organisation.
“Clare has been an invaluable member of Council’s senior leadership team throughout the five years she has worked here, and throughout that time she has proven herself to be an exemplary leader who is well respected by all those she works with,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Among a competitive field of applicants, Clare was the standout candidate, outlining a compelling vision of how she plans to continue delivering for all those who live and work in the Sutherland Shire.
“Clare will bring a wealth of experience, talent and drive to her role as Council’s new CEO and I'm confident that she's going to lead this organisation into the future in a manner that is going to deliver exceptional results for local residents.
“Council has a strong corporate culture of identifying and developing talent within our own ranks, so it’s seems only fitting that Councillors voted unanimously to support one of our own to take up the vital and challenging role of leading our organisation.
“I congratulate Clare in being selected to take up the mantle in leading this organisation, and with her deep understanding of Council’s organisational priorities and the needs of our community, I know that she will make a considerable contribution as she assumes this incredible responsibility.”
With an extensive career in local government, serving in senior leadership roles in communities across NSW and further afield, Ms Phelan brings an exceptionally strong skillset in effectively managing the many challenges that face the sector.
“I’m passionate about delivering sound civic administration and the incredible impact that local government has in the lives of all those we serve,” Ms Phelan said.
“While I’ve lived and worked all over regional and metropolitan NSW as I have followed my career, I’ve chosen to live and raise a family here in the Sutherland Shire because it’s such a welcoming and vibrant community to be a part of.
“I look forward to continuing in the footsteps set out by Council’s first female CEO Manjeet Grewal, and in continuing the exceptional track record our Council has in delivering for all those who live and work within the Sutherland Shire.”
Sutherland Shire Council’s current CEO Manjeet Grewal said she too was delighted to see Councillors had elected to support an internal candidate to take up the role of CEO, expressing her confidence that Ms Phelan would bring an incredible depth of skill, knowledge and passion to the role.
“Throughout my time working alongside Clare I’ve always been deeply impressed by the collaborative and considered way she goes about achieving for this community, and the exceptional leadership skills she displays,” Ms Grewal said.
“I’m heartened to know that after I leave Council, this organisation will continue to be led by someone who is not only a capable and committed leader, but someone who truly knows and appreciates what matters to local residents.”