City appoints new CEO

THE City of Greater Geelong has finished its long hunt for a new chief executive officer, announcing today (Friday, June 23) it had appointed Ali Wastie into the organisation’s top job.

Ms Wastie has considerable experience in local government and the Victorian public service, having worked across the sectors since 2004.

She has held several senior executive positions, including serving as CEO of the Bass Coast Shire Council for the past four-and-a-half years.

Ms Wastie chairs the Alpine Resorts Victoria board, and was previously a director at the City of Melbourne and Yarra Ranges Council.

After finishing her role with Bass Coast Shire, Ms Wastie will take up the CEO job at the City of Greater Geelong on August 28.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said Ms Wastie’s expertise would be invaluable to the organisation, and the wider Greater Geelong community.

“We are delighted to welcome Ali to the City of Greater Geelong.

“Ali’s extensive local government experience, her strong leadership skills and passion for developing high performing teams, means she is ideally placed to lead the city through this challenging but exciting period.

“Ali also has strong credentials in education, health and tourism, which are sectors that are crucial to the continued development of the region.”

Ms Wastie said she was excited to be joining the city and was looking forward to working with councillors and employees to deliver high-quality services to the community.

“I am feeling very privileged to be appointed as CEO for the City of Greater Geelong and I am looking forward to commencing in the role on August 28.

“Delivering on the community’s vision and the council’s plans and objectives in a period of growth, change and opportunity will be my focus.

“I have long-standing connections to Geelong, with family and friends living in the region.

“I am passionate about building and sustaining positive, can-do organisational cultures that are inclusive and welcoming.”

Cr Sullivan praised the city’s acting CEO Kaarina Phyland for her work in the role since she was appointed in September 2022 following the departure of Martin Cutter.

“Kaarina has overseen a period that has transformed the City into a more efficient and high-performing organisation,” he said.

“Under her leadership we have made progress on delivering the community’s Clever and Creative vision and the Council is thankful for Kaarina’s valuable contribution.”

Cr Sullivan also thanked municipal monitors Prue Digby and Peter Dorling for their assistance in the CEO recruitment process.