Anne Howard takes job as new CEO of Colac Otway Shire

THE Surf Coast Shire’s acting chief executive officer Anne Howard will shift councils later this year and become the new CEO of the neighbouring Colac Otway Shire.

The Colac Otway Shire council announced it had appointed Ms Howard – who is also the Surf Coast Shire’s general manager of governance and infrastructure – to the role today (Wednesday, June 17).

Colac Otway mayor Kate Hanson said it was a competitive recruitment process and Ms Howard was the successful candidate from a strong field.

“Anne has 20 years of experience in local government and we’re really impressed with the diverse range of skills she will bring to Colac Otway Shire Council.

“Anne has a strong background in working for local government in regional Victoria, having worked with Campaspe Shire Council, and coming to Colac Otway from Surf Coast Shire Council.

“Already having a thorough understanding of the G21 region means that Anne has a good knowledge of the district and she’ll be ready to continue the trajectory of work Colac Otway is undertaking.”

“Council sees great value in Anne’s experience with rural and coastal based communities and the knowledge she will bring from those backgrounds to this leadership role.”

A Colac Otway Shire spokesperson said Ms Howard would start in her new role on August 16.

Ms Howard is also presently the acting CEO of the Surf Coast Shire and was to hold that position until July 12, when new Surf Coast chief executive officer Robyn Seymour (appointed in April) officially starts.

Ms Howard said she was thrilled to be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Colac Otway Shire.

“Having lived most of my life in regional Victoria, and the last five years in the G21 region, I have a good understanding of the environment, economy and lifestyle enjoyed by residents as well as visitors to the region.

“This role presents a unique opportunity to use my diverse skills and experience to help shape and strengthen the Colac Otway community.

“I am looking forward to building on my commitment to regional communities by working with the Councillors and staff of the Colac Otway Shire.

“I look forward to becoming part of the Colac Otway community and I am excited by the many opportunities we have to ensure that the shire continues to be a great place to live, where people can have full and successful lives.

“I have 20 years of experience in local government and since joining the executive team at the Surf Coast Shire in March 2016 I have been responsible for an unusually diverse portfolio that includes finance, governance and risk, information management, civil infrastructure and waste, strategic asset management and digital transformation.

“I have been the acting chief executive officer at Surf Coast Shire since August 1, 2020 and privileged to support the organisation and community through the uncertainty of a pandemic.

“Prior to working with Surf Coast Shire Council I was a member of the executive at Campaspe Shire Council where my responsibilities included economic development and tourism, corporate planning, community development, strategic land use planning, infrastructure services, asset management and the program management office.”

Ms Howard’s qualifications include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Infrastructure Engineering and an undergraduate of a Bachelor of Engineering.

Ms Hanson thanked outgoing Colac Otway chief executive officer Peter Brown for his significant contribution to the shire.

“Councillors wish to thank Peter Brown for his time as CEO of Colac Otway Shire. Peter has guided Colac Otway through a very challenging couple of years,” Cr Hanson said.

“Peter has become an important member of our community and a strong advocate for the region that will see Colac Otway well into the future. We wish Peter and Wendy all the very best for the future.”