City of Swan celebrates achievements of retiring CEO, Michael Foley
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Published on 03 March 2020
After serving 14 years as the City of Swan’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Foley will retire from his career in Local Government in September 2020.
Michael has led the largest metropolitan local government in Western Australia during a time of exponential urban growth and development, marking an era of achievement in a time of great change.
Under his leadership, Michael’s administration of more than 760 staff services a community of 150,000 people and a vast region that spans 1,043 square kilometres.
The City’s advocacy program, which was initiated in 2008, has secured billions of dollars’ worth of federal and state funding commitments for priority community projects under Michael’s stewardship.
Key advocacy wins include duplications of Gnangara Road and Reid Highway, major interchanges at Alexander Drive and Malaga Drive, a newly constructed Northlink WA, and exciting development of Midland’s new medical hub which includes the new Curtin University Midland Campus.
He has also seen the establishment of new suburbs throughout the region including Ellenbrook, Dayton, Bennett Springs, Brabham, Aveley, The Vines and Bushmead, as well as the growth of Malaga as a major industrial area.
Michael has led the commencement of the City’s multi-million-dollar New Junction project, which is opening the door to a new future for Midland’s CBD by generating jobs and attracting strong investment to the City and State economies.
As he retires, Michael leaves a legacy of major projects planned for coming years including the highly anticipated Morley-Ellenbrook line, the railway realignment and relocation of Midland Train Station, a major new interchange at Roe Highway and Great Eastern Highway bypass and the long-awaited Lloyd Street Bridge.
The City of Swan has been recognised as a local government frontrunner time and time again, and under Michael’s leadership, the City’s key achievements include:
State and National awards in tourism excellence in 2017, 2018 and 2019 Hall of Fame induction into the Perth Airport Western Australian Tourism Awards Numerous State and National planning excellence awards and commendations in 2018, 2016, 2015 and 2014 Parks and Leisure Australia WA Awards of excellence in 2014 and 2018 Workplace health and wellbeing state award Waterwise Council endorsements and water efficiency state award Recognition as a leader in Local Government road safety Finalist in Western Australian Heritage Awards Keep Australia Beautiful Council award for Best Waste Management Service in AustraliaIn tribute to the outgoing CEO, City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey said Michael will be remembered for his stoic leadership and his high degree of integrity, honesty and dedication to the role.
“Mike’s 39 years at the City and in the local government sector are marked by exemplary service,” he said.
“He is recognised throughout the industry as a highly respected leader by his peers, and is often sought out by others for his guidance and advice.
“He has made a significant contribution to the City of Swan and his dedication to our community – a community that has grown by more than 41,000 people during his tenure as CEO - is irrefutable.
“In this time, Mike has successfully led the delivery of the City’s Strategic Community Plan to ensure that our community and environment is preserved and enhanced into the future.
“I would like to commend Mike for ensuring Council’s vision and direction has been delivered under unwavering leadership.”
A recruitment process will be undertaken by the City to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer following Michael’s retirement in September.
Starting his career as a civil engineer with Main Roads Western Australia in 1972, Michael commenced his employment at the City of Swan (formerly Shire of Swan) as a Construction Engineer in 1981.
From there, he was appointed Deputy Shire Engineer and Shire Engineer before he was appointed as the first City Engineer of the City in April 2000.
Michael was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the City in 2006, a position he has held for 14 years.
Michael’s professional memberships include Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA); Institute of Engineers Australia; Australian Institute of Company Directors; Local Government Managers Association (LGMA) and Professionals Australia (formally Association of Professional Engineers Scientists & Managers, Australia (APESMA).
He is the Former State President of the Local Government Engineers Association and the Institute of Municipal Engineers Engineering Australia (WA Division), both earlier names for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA).
Michael was awarded the Western Australian Local Government Association Eminent Service Award for service to Local Government in 2012.