MANSFIELD, VIC. — Mansfield Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Alexander has renewed her contract and will continue leading the organisation for a further four years.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, who chairs Council’s CEO Employment Matters Committee, said the decision reflected Council’s confidence in Ms Alexander’s leadership and the direction the organisation is heading.
“Kirsten Alexander has worked tirelessly over the past four years and has played a significant role in building a strong and professional culture within Council,” he said.
“She has focused on creating a team that continually strives to improve how we serve the community, while maintaining a strong emphasis on accountability, efficiency and good governance.”
“One thing that stands out to me personally is that Kirsten takes the time to sit down with every new staff member and remind them that their role is ultimately about serving the community.
That’s the sort of leadership that matters in a small rural council like ours.”
“We are very pleased with her continued presence in the community, participating in community events, encouraging communication and an open and honest conversation between Council and the community.”
Mayor Cr Rabie said Mansfield Shire was entering an important period of growth and change, requiring stable and experienced leadership.
“Our Shire continues to grow and evolve, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Kirsten’s experience, knowledge and understanding of local government place her in a strong position to continue leading the organisation through that period.”
Following the signing of her new contract, Ms Alexander said she was proud to continue serving the Mansfield community.
“It’s a privilege to lead the team at Mansfield Shire Council, the responsibility that comes with that privilege is not lost on me,” she said.
“I want to continue to strengthen the bond between Council and our community because we get the best outcomes when we work together.”
Reflecting on the past four years, Kirsten has highlighted an increase in cultural diversity in the team at Mansfield Shire Council under her leadership as a positive driver of Council performance.
“Bringing new talent into the organisation has resulted in a fresh and innovative approach to the use of technology, new ideas and energy while we’ve maintaining organisational knowledge and experience from longstanding team members.”
Over the term of Ms Alexander’s four-year contract, she has overseen a wide range of significant achievements at Council.
These include the completion of the Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route, construction of the Mansfield Heritage Museum, successful funding applications for the Station Precinct Redevelopment project ($14.4m) and the IMPACT Route ($11.3m) and improved Community Satisfaction results with significant improvements to Council communications reflecting a closer relationship between Council and the community.
And over the next four years, she hopes to see many more achievements getting over the line.
“The team at Council has managed to accomplish a lot over the past four years but the work of advocating and delivering for our community goes on,” Ms Alexander said.
“In four years’ time, I hope to see significant steps forward in the shire and I look forward to working with the Councillors, team at Council and stakeholders within the community to deliver a range of transformative projects which will sustain our growing shire.”
Current advocacy priorities at Mansfield Shire Council include, but are not limited to, the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct, Lakins Road Industrial Precinct, road infrastructure improvements at key intersections, and the expansion of the Mansfield Botanic Park and the new netball courts and improved infrastructure which comprises the Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve Masterplan.
