New CEO for Surf Coast
VicRoads former boss to take over
FORMER VicRoads boss Robyn Seymour has been confirmed as the Surf Coast Shire council’s new chief executive.
Ms Seymour is scheduled to take up the job in July, moving from her current position as deputy secretary network planning and head at Road Safety Victoria, where she leads a team of more than 400 people.
Before that, she was chief executive and deputy chief executive of VicRoads.
Ms Seymour said she was excited to work with the mayor and councillors to deliver on the council’s vision and priorities for the shire.
“I am passionate about delivering outcomes and value to the community and I look forward to working with the team at the council to ensure we are meeting community needs,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to moving to the Surf Coast Shire, a region I love and have been keen to make my home.” Ms Seymour replaces former chief executive Keith Baillie, who left the role in July 2020 after a five-year stint, to join Gforce Employment Solutions.
The shire’s general manager of infrastructure and governance Anne Howard has been acting chief executive since Mr Baillie’s departure.
Ms Howard will remain in the role until Ms Seymour moves in to her new office within three months.
The shire’s nine councillors met on Tuesday to appoint their new executive leader.
The meeting came 10 months after Mr Baillie’s resignation, with the process of finding a permanent replacement delayed due to council elections late last year.
While it did not advertise a salary for the position, shire reports show Mr Baillie earned between $320,000 and $330,000 in his final year.
Surf Coast Mayor Libby Stapleton said Ms Seymour brought strong leadership, skills and experience to the role, with a commitment to community.
“It’s a pivotal time for council, with the development of a long-term community vision, our commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation as well as our many other projects, particularly the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre project, which is so close to being realised,” she said. “Robyn has a proven track record of managing and delivering complex initiatives and projects.
“I know she will be committed in leading the organisation to help our community and environment to thrive.”