Parkes Shire Council General Manager, Kent Boyd PSM, retires from the organisation today, bringing to a close more than 34 years of service, including 15 years in his current role.
Mr Boyd said his decision to retire represented an opportunity for a planned and orderly transition to the next generation of leadership.
“After 34 years with Council, including the last 15 years as General Manager, I believe it is an appropriate time for a planned and orderly transition to the next generation of leadership,” he said.
“It has been a rare privilege to serve the Parkes Shire community for such a substantial part of my career. I thank the Mayor and Councillors, past and present, for the trust and support shown to me during my tenure and remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
Mayor, Neil Westcott acknowledged Mr Boyd’s dedicated service and leadership and his significant contribution to the organisation and the broader Parkes Shire community.
“Council acknowledges the enormous contribution Kent has made to Parkes Shire over more than three decades,” the Mayor said.
“His leadership has helped guide Council and the community through a period of significant growth and change, and he leaves a legacy across the organisation and the wider Shire.
“One of the most significant achievements during this time was the establishment of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, which began as a vision developed by a small team at Parkes Shire Council and went on to become the first Special Activation Precinct in New South Wales.
“Kent’s leadership, commitment and strategic insight played an important role in the development of the SAP and in establishing a regional development model that has since been adopted in other parts of the state.”
Mr Boyd said he was proud of what had been achieved during his time with Council and remained confident about the future of the Parkes Shire.
“It has been a great privilege to serve this community. I leave with immense gratitude for the opportunities I have been given, pride in what has been accomplished together, confidence in those who will continue the work and an unwavering belief that the best years of Parkes Shire are still ahead,” he said.
The Council resolved to appoint Director Infrastructure and Sustainability, Andrew Francis as Acting General Manager from today. Mr Francis will remain in the role until a new General Manager is recruited and appointed, or until otherwise determined by Council.
