SWAN Hill Rural City Council has appointed its new chief executive officer after an almost two-month application process.
On Wednesday, Mayor Les McPhee announced current Loddon Shire CEO John McLinden, 55, was chosen for the position and he would begin in March.
“John has been the chief executive officer of Loddon Shire since 2005 and has a wealth of experience in local government,” Cr McPhee said.
“He is well known throughout the region, including through the Murray River Group of Councils, and is well-respected by staff at Loddon Shire Council as well as among the wider regional councils.”
Prior to becoming Loddon Shire CEO, Mr McLinden previously served as the council’s director of technical services and director of operations since 1995.
A qualified engineer, he also held engineering positions at the Shire of Rosedale, City of Broadmeadows and the Shire of Colac.
“Among John’s interests are fishing, camping and local football, all of which the Swan Hill region is renowned for, so I’m sure John and his family will very much feel at home within the Swan Hill municipality,” Cr McPhee said.
“On behalf of council, I would like to welcome John to Swan Hill Rural City Council and together with councillors, I look forward to working with him.”
Mr McLinden told The Guardian, though he had fond memories of Loddon Shire, he wanted to advance his career by moving to larger municipality.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (February 5, 2016).
