Alexandrina Council has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew MacDonald.

Mr MacDonald has 10 years of experience as CEO in local government. previously serving in the top job at the Town of Walkerville in Adelaide and previously as the CEO at Wakefield Regional Council and the Kingston District Council.

His appointment was endorsed by the council at a special meeting on 26 September following a presentation.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says Mr MacDonald’s appointment was a unanimous decision.

“Council conducted an extensive national recruitment program, and we were fortunate to attract an extremely high calibre of applicants, with Andrew a standout candidate.

“Besides his 10 years as a CEO, Andrew has commercial management experience and began his early local government career at the City of Adelaide, so he has insight into the operations of private business as well as metropolitan and regional councils.

“Andrew built a reputation for empowering and supportive leadership, sound financial management, strong community engagement, and building a positive corporate team culture.

“For us, the icing on the cake was Andrew’s strong connection to Alexandrina, having spent his early years on the southern Fleurieu before moving with his parents to Goolwa. 

“Through his involvement in local sport, he has probably kicked a football on most of the ovals in our region.

“Andrew knows and loves Alexandrina and moving here is a ‘coming home’ moment in his career.

“We at Council are looking forward to welcoming him to our region and benefiting from the effective stewardship of his CEO appointment.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the CEO Selection Panel Members, including our Council Members and our Independent Members Ms Victoria MacKirdy, CEO of the City of Victor Harbor, and Ms Alice McCleary, Chair of the Alexandrina Audit and Risk Committee, for their time and dedication to the process which resulted in the fantastic outcome of Council appointing Mr MacDonald.”

The Interim CEO position is currently being shared on a monthly rotation between Alexandrina Council’s three General Managers, Tash Hunt, Stacey Bateson and Alan Harvey, and this arrangement will continue until Mr MacDonald takes up the role.