EXCLUSIVE - Wes Young to be Derwent Valley Council's new CEO

Wes Young has been appointed as the new CEO of the Derwent Valley Council.

Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said the appointment came after an extensive international recruitment process over the last three months.

“He will officially commence in this critical role for our community in the new year and has been appointed on a four-year performance-based contract,” Cr Dracoulis said.

“We attracted a very large field of 40 candidates, but despite tough opposition from the other high-quality candidates, Wes impressed the CEO Recruitment Panel and then the full councillor team with his experience in the Tasmanian sector, along with his positive but calm approach.

“Wes was also impressed with his obvious passion and drive for the Derwent Valley community and role, having spent many chilly mornings rowing with the New Norfolk Rowing Club, where he was named “RC Oarsman of the Year” in 2001.”

A former journalist who was also a senior policy and media advisor for Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Mr Young has held roles at the Hobart, Clarence, Kentish and Latrobe Councils.

He said he was looking forward to beginning his new role in a municipality he described as “one of the most beautiful and best-kept secret areas of Tasmania”.

“I am particularly looking forward to building new relationships with our wonderful staff and community members alike,” Mr Young said.

“I want to ensure that our people have the resources to do their job effectively and to support their professional goals and aspirations whilst working towards providing the very best service levels to our community.

“In this role, I will get out and about in order to meet as many community organisations and members as I can, as well as advocating strongly for our municipality and region into the future.”

Mr Young said he would encourage the Derwent Valley community to communicate how they think the council could improve its services and processes.

“They can be assured I will identify priorities and act upon these in order to build an agile and contemporary organisation for our community as it grows and shifts into the future in partnership with our dedicated Mayor and Councillor team.

“On a personal level, I am really looking forward to working in this special place and doing my part in building a strong and valued council team for the community.”

Mr Young will take over from departing general manager Ron Sanderson.