Experienced Local Government leader announced as Acting General Manager

The former General Manager of Sutherland Council and Administrator for Georges River Council John Rayner has been appointed to the position of Acting General Manager by Interim Administrator Viv May.

Mr Rayner is an experienced and well respected leader in Local Government and takes on the acting position following the announcement this week of the resignation of CEO Susan Law. He is currently the Acting General Manager of Edward River Council in the Riverina region.

Mr May says “John comes with a wealth of experience in local government both in the city and regionally.

“He understands regional life and I am looking forward to him starting to rebuild the confidence of staff and working with me to restore community trust in Armidale Regional Council.

The General Manager of a Council is an important position. It’s the glue that holds everything together, between staff, councillors and the community.”

Mr Rayner will not commence until late August, however Mr May was prepared to wait in order to get the right person for the job. Any gap between the incumbent CEO departing and the commencement of the new Acting General Manager will be filled by internal appointments.

“There are many and varied issues to deal with to right the ship,” said Mr May.

“The important thing is that we are moving forward with the recruitment process to ensure Council’s day-to-day operations and commitment to project delivery continues.”

Published on 09 Jul 2020