Geelong Regional Libraries confirms acting CEO appointment

GEELONG Regional Libraries has appointed a new acting chief executive, with seasoned leader David Semmens to step into the top job later this month.

Semmens, who is currently the organisation’s director of community experience and a member of its executive leadership team, will step into the role on February 28, until a permanent CEO is found.

His appointment follows the resignation of incumbent chief, Vanessa Schernickau, who has served in the role for more than four years.

Her tenure will end on February 27 as she prepares to undertake a PhD by research at Melbourne University that will consider the role of public libraries in responding to disinformation, misinformation and malign influence.

Geelong Regional Library Corporation chair, Liz Pattison, said Semmens brought extensive leadership experience to the position.

“David is an experience executive leader with more than 18 years’ experience across local government and regional service organisations,” she said.

“Prior to joining Geelong Regional Libraries, he held senior leadership roles at Wyndham city council, including interim director [of] city life, where he led large, multidisciplinary portfolios spanning libraries, community learning, sport and recreation, arts and culture, and community supports services.

“The board congratulates David on this appointment and recognises his strategic, systems-thinking approach to leading change, and that he brings strong governance, operational and stakeholder leadership experience to the acting CEO role.”

Recruitment for a permanent chief is under way.