The City of Launceston has appointed a new CEO, who is expected to begin in the role in July.
City of Launceston Mayor, Matthew Garwood, said that he was pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Johnson to the role, after an extensive national and international recruitment process conducted over four months.
“I’m excited to announce the appointment of Sam as our new Chief Executive Officer,” Mayor Garwood said.
“We attracted a very large field of close to 40 high-quality candidates but despite tough competition Sam impressed the Councillor team with his visionary and high-energy approach, along with his obvious passion and drive for the Launceston community.
“Sam has multi sector experience, having worked earlier in his career in senior roles with ANZ along with five years as a very young Mayor at Port Augusta City Council.
“He is the outgoing CEO at the District Council of Mount Remarkable in South Australia, a role he’s held since 2020.
“Sam was awarded an OAM for services to the Local Government sector in 2021.
“Sam will be moving from South Australia in the coming months with his wife and three young boys, who are very excited to move to Launceston.
Mr Johnson said that it was a wonderful opportunity to be the new Council CEO in one of the most beautiful, diverse and fastest growing cities in Tasmania.
“I am particularly looking forward to building new relationships with the wonderful staff and community members alike,” Mr Johnson said.
“I want to ensure that our teams have the resources to do their job effectively and to support their professional goals, aspirations, and growth whilst working towards providing the very best service levels to the 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 the City and region into the future.
Mr Johnson said that he is eager to hear where the community thinks that Council can improve its services and processes.
“They can be assured I will identify priorities and act upon these in order to build an agile 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 both working and living in this special place with my family and joining such a vibrant and incredible community.”
Featured image: Sam Johnson. Image credit: City of Launceston Council.
