Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Mayor, Mark Jamieson has announced the appointment of Alison Smith as the association’s next chief executive officer.
Ms Smith (pictured), who is currently serving as the Association’s Head of Advocacy, will officially begin in the role on November 1 following the retirement of long-serving CEO, Greg Hallam AM PSM.
“I am delighted to announce on behalf of the Board and Policy Executive of the Local Government Association of Queensland that Alison Smith has accepted our offer to serve as our Association’s next Chief Executive Officer,” Mayor Jamieson said
“Alison has a deep and abiding passion for the work and contribution of councils on behalf of their local communities.
“Alison brings to this role a proven ability to stand firm when needed, to genuinely connect and empathise with our member councils and understand the challenges we face, coupled with decades of private and public sector experience in corporate affairs, business, policy and media.”
The LGAQ celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
“Our strength and continuity is testament to our members and to the organisational leaders who have provided the stewardship of our association since it was first created during a meeting of like-minded local government authorities back in 1896,” said Mayor Jamieson.Â
“That spirit of collaboration and togetherness is alive and well today, some 125 years later.”
In announcing Ms Smith’s appointment today, Mayor Jamieson also acknowledge the almost three decades of leadership of the LGAQ by Greg Hallam.Â
“While it is impossible to fully articulate all of his achievements and his contribution to our local government family over this time, I do want to recognise that through his dedication, drive and deep acuity, we have seen the LGAQ innovate and transform into the strong peak body it is today, standing as a powerful voice and advocate for our 77 member councils,” he said.
“I am confident Alison will continue the LGAQ’s honourable and long-standing tradition of being both the voice and servant of local government, while also providing her own stamp and aspirations for the LGAQ as she leads our organisation into the future.
“Our local government sector is truly fortunate to be so well served and represented by people of the calibre of Alison Smith and Greg Hallam.”