Dr Katrena Stephenson has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), the first female CEO in the organisation’s 102 year history.
Dr Stephenson has been acting in the position of CEO since the departure of Allan Garcia on May 1 2015, and has been the Policy Director at the Association since late 2007.
Prior to commencing employment at LGAT, Dr Stephenson held policy, advisor and evaluation roles in a number of Tasmanian State Government departments and in the UK.
“The position of CEO was hotly contested, with 27 applicants from Tasmania and interstate,” said LGAT Acting President, Mayor Daryl Quilliam.
“However, Katrena’s extensive experience in Local Government and the strong networks she has established made her a unanimous choice.
“The General Management Committee of LGAT are looking forward to working with Katrena in moving the Association and the Local Government sector forward during a time of reflection and change.”
Dr Stephenson is also an appointed observer to the Local Government Managers (Tasmania) Board and a member of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government Research Advisory Committee.
LGAT stated that Dr Stephenson is excited at the prospect of driving the Association and supporting its members, and looks forward to the challenges of working with Association members, the State Government and other stakeholders, to further progress Local Government in the State to ensure that it remains responsive and committed to the communities it represents.
