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East Gippsland Shire Council bids farewell to CEO Anthony Basford and acknowledges his exemplary leadership during bushfire and lockdowns

CEO Anthony Basford bids farewell from East Gippsland Shire Council, recognized for outstanding leadership during challenges such as bushfires and COVID-19. An interim CEO is appointed, with the recruitment process scheduled for February 6.

By news@gippsland - 23rd January 2024 - Back to News

East Gippsland Shire Council bid farewell to Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford and wished him success at a meeting of all staff on his final day, Tuesday, 16 January. Mr Basford started as CEO at East Gippsland Shire Council in November 2018 on a four-year term and was reappointed for a five-year term in May of last year.

Mayor Cr Tom Crook (left) thanked Mr. Basford for outstanding leadership during challenges and wished him success as Executive Director City Life at City of Greater Geelong

Gratitude for contributions

Mr Basford led the organisation through structural changes, the Black Summer Bushfires, the COVID-19 response and multiple floods, and delivered the largest capital program in the shire's history. He said that it had been a privilege and honour to lead an organisation of great people and noted that he was proud of what the council had achieved despite difficult and challenging times.

Mayor Cr Tom Crook expressed gratitude for Mr Basford's exemplary leadership during challenging times, including the pandemic, bushfires and other natural disasters, and for the solid organisational foundations he leaves for council.

"Council acknowledges Anthony's dedication and contributions to East Gippsland, ensuring a smooth transition to a new leadership era. The organisation's resilience and depth, coupled with community support, guarantee the continued delivery of exceptional services," Cr Crook said.

CEO departure acknowledged

Mr Basford thanked the resilient communities of East Gippsland for the honour of serving as CEO. While the council described the CEO's departure as a loss for the shire, it said it remains well-positioned for the future. In the interim, Fiona Weigall, General Manager Assets and Environment was appointed Acting CEO from Wednesday, January 17 for up to 28 days.

Council will convene on Tuesday, February 6 to determine arrangements for the remainder of the recruitment period. The CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee will assist as an advisory committee in mapping out steps and dates for the recruitment process. Council wished Mr Basford success in his new role at City of Greater Geelong as Executive Director City Life.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com