Armidale Regional Council is preparing to welcome a new addition to the senior leadership team, with the former Chief Financial Officer of Gunnedah Shire Council Damien Connor stepping into the role of Chief Officer – Corporate and Strategy.
Mr Connor will lead the corporate and strategic functions of the business currently made up of Finance, Governance, Information Technology, Strategic Asset Management, Customer Service, Corporate Planning, Marketing and Communications, Community Services, Libraries, Airport, Pre-school and Economic Development.
Set to begin the new position next week, Mr Connor said he is excited to help encourage positive change within the organisation.
"I hope to bring stability to the role and clarity of purpose and direction, and from there I hope to work with the team in taking the organisation towards a holistically sustainable position while delivering the best possible services and infrastructure to our community," he said.
"I have a history of growing and developing people and one of my top personal priorities will be to engage with and understand the needs of staff and to provide challenges, opportunities and genuine development and career pathways to all of those within the organisation."
Mr Connor comes with a wealth of experience in Local Government, having worked in the sector for the past two decades. Beginning as an accounting graduate at Forbes Shire Council almost twenty years ago, Mr Connor has since moved up the ranks and held various senior executive roles, including his most recent role as the Chief Financial Officer at Gunnedah Shire Council.
Mr Connor said his past experience will be valuable for his new position as Chief Officer – Corporate and Strategy.
"I believe that whilst there is obviously some work to do and some healing to take place following the recent administration period, I believe that I have the right experience, personality and skill set required to help our organisation and subsequently the community to live up to its potential," he said.
General Manager James Roncon said he is excited to see what Mr Connor will bring to Council.
"Since stepping into the role of General Manager, I have made it a priority to rebuild the culture and transform the workplace into a positive, high-performing organisation that is focused on delivering the best outcomes for the community," said Mr Roncon.
"By introducing a fresh leadership team we are on the path to achieving this goal of getting back to basics and concentrating on service delivery while maintaining a positive position within the community."
Mr Connor will commence his new role at Council on Tuesday 15 June 2021.
