Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has commenced the search for a permanent chief executive officer (CEO) as part of an ongoing transition within the council. The move comes after the appointment of Stephen Dunshea as the interim CEO, following the resignation of former chief executive David Hogan in October 2024.
Applications for this leadership role opened on February 18, 2025, with the recruitment process being managed by specialist firm McArthur.
The search began during SMRC’s December 2024 meeting, where councillors voted to appoint McArthur in finding a candidate equipped to navigate the council through a phase of significant reform.
PHOTO: SMRC Interim CEO Stephen Dunshea.
The deadline for applications is set for March 5, 2025, after which McArthur will conduct a thorough evaluation of potential candidates. Their findings will be presented at the upcoming council meeting where the final decision will be made.
Stephen Dunshea, who took on the mantle of interim CEO in November 2024, brought over 40 years of local government experience to SMRC. His tenure as CEO at Shoalhaven City Council was marked by effective leadership during multiple crises, including the Currowan Fires, alongside successful implementations of growth strategies and securing crucial infrastructure funding.
SMRC described Mr Dunshea’s role as a “transitional leader” in November last year, aimed at ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining operational continuity, allowing the council time to identify and appoint a long-term leader.
SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna commented at the time saying, “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.”
The recruitment effort takes place during a transformative period for the council, as it seeks to implement significant reforms aimed at securing financial sustainability and improving community outcomes.
A spokesperson for SMRC advised the incoming chief executive is set to take on a significant program of reform that is already well underway, as work continues to secure a financially sustainable future for the organisation.
“Appointing the right person for the job will ensure Council can deliver the best possible outcomes for our community, with the high-quality services and infrastructure the Snowy Monaro deserves,” the spokesperson said.
The incoming CEO will be tasked with driving these changes, ensuring the Snowy Monaro region receives high-quality services and infrastructure. As the process unfolds, SMRC advised it will provide ongoing updates to keep the community informed.