GEELONG Regional Libraries has appointed a new acting chief executive, with seasoned leader David Semmens to step into the top job later this month.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
His appointment follows the resignation of incumbent chief, Vanessa Schernickau, who has served in the role for more than four years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Geelong Regional Library Corporation chair, Liz Pattison, said Semmens brought extensive leadership experience to the position.<\/p>\n
“David is an experience executive leader with more than 18 years’ experience across local government and regional service organisations,” she said.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Recruitment for a permanent chief is under way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n