Interim boss lands GORCAPA top job

THE Great Ocean Road and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has found its new boss, with interim chief executive officer Christine Ferguson officially landing the top job.

Ms Ferguson has been interim CEO since April and brings to the role extensive experience in the public sector, including senior executive roles in environment, land and emergency management for over 10 years.

She is a director and deputy chair of Triple Zero Victoria, has previously been appointed as a municipal monitor by Local Government Victoria, is a committee member for Regional Development Australia, and has received the Public Service Medal for outstanding service.

Today’s (Thursday, September 6) announcement follows a period of significant turnover in the highest ranks of the organisation, with five top executives leaving in the space of 12 months.

“I am thrilled to take on this responsibility and look forward to continuing to work every day with the board and our dedicated staff to deliver on the Authority’s amazing remit to protect and enhance this special part of the state,” Ms Ferguson said.

GORCAPA says it undertook a thorough external recruitment process to find a new CEO, with Ms Ferguson selected from a very strong field of candidates.

“The board is delighted to appoint Christine as our ongoing CEO,” GORCAPA board chair Libby Mears said.

“She will be an amazing asset for the authority and brings a wealth of experience that will continue to propel us forward as an organisation.”

“Reforms to improve how the coast and parks of the Great Ocean Road is managed are once in a generation and so important to get right. I am confident that the board, in partnership with Christine and all the staff at the authority are committed to working hard to deliver this positive change.”