Sunday, November 10, 2024

Willoughby CEO announces retirement

Willoughby City Council’s CEO, Debra Just, has announced her retirement, ending a more than 25-year career in local government.

Ms Just will be retiring in March to return to family in Adelaide.

In a statement, Council said she had made a significant contribution to Willoughby City.

“Since joining Willoughby City Council in 2015, Debra has built a positive culture in the organisation and gained the respect and admiration of her peers. Her prudent financial management has ensured Council’s sustainability now and into the future,” the Council said.

Ms Just said she was incredibly proud of the transformational change that has been implemented during her time with the Council.

“We have built/are building significant new community infrastructure and our performing arts reputation at The Concourse and through street fairs and festivals,” she said.

“We have cherished and supported our diversity and continue with many environmental and resilience initiatives. We have matured in disciplines such as risk management, business planning and our prioritisation of projects and capital works and progressed our corporate software rollout.

“Our Community satisfaction surveys results have been strong and we have not shied away from advocating for our community. Most recently, we have taken the necessary steps to ensure our financial sustainability. I’m confident that these initiatives will continue on a positive trajectory.”

Willoughby Mayor, Tanya Taylor said Ms Just had worked tirelessly to guide change within the organisation to better serve the community during a tumultuous time.

“I have valued Debra’s leadership, strategic approach and that she does not shy away from the complex and challenging. She is highly respected by her local government peers,” she said.

“I appreciate that she now needs to focus on her family and I would like to thank her for all she has done to the benefit of the Willoughby community.”

Ms Just will remain as CEO until 1 March 2024.

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