CEO Alison Leighton to join City of Melbourne

Published on 14 February 2020

Baw Baw Shire Council’s CEO Alison Leighton is moving on after two and a half years in the role. Ms Leighton is leaving to join the City of Melbourne in the position of General Manager - Strategy, Planning and Climate Change.

Ms Leighton was appointed CEO in July 2017 and has made many positive changes to the organisation and its operations. Her dedication and commitment to improving the organisations culture has resulted in a significant improvement in staff engagement levels, along with reducing staff turnover, transforming and increasing customer service levels and responsiveness to residents’ enquiries. Her tireless work in advocating to both State and Federal Governments has put Baw Baw Shire on the map.

Ms Leighton’s final day at Baw Baw Shire Council will be Friday 13 March 2020.

“It is with a heavy heart that I will depart from the staff and the Council. I have so much respect for our Council and so much appreciation for the trust they have placed in me. I am proud of the Executive team, the staff and what we have created, and I truly believe that Baw Baw Shire Council are going from strength to strength – internally and externally.”

“This position at City of Melbourne is a once in a lifetime career opportunity that aligns with my passion for working and contributing to global initiatives. It will involve many new challenges including international travel to other global cities and participation in world economic forum and united nations initiatives.”

“I know that Councillors and staff will be disappointed and surprised with Alison’s departure."

"But by any measure the job she has accepted is the job of a lifetime. So, it’s understandable that she was approached and that she has accepted. I know that she is very disappointed to be leaving Baw Baw Shire Council. I also note that this is not a move to a CEO position with another Council. This is much more than that.”

“Our job as a Council will be to continue to act in the best interests of the ratepayers and residents we represent. We will begin by appointing an acting CEO and then decide on how we go about appointing a new CEO.”

“I absolutely know that the organisation is in a much better position than what it was when we appointed Alison. The Executive team is highly functional, and the senior staff are very skilled. Baw Baw Shire is much the better for having Alison work with us these past few years.”

“We will now go about finding a CEO who can build on all the good work that has been done and to continue the transformation of this Council.”