New director set to leave lasting imprint
Qualified engineer Ben Wood will seek to “leave a lasting positive imprint” after being appointed Baw Baw Shire community infrastructure director.
Mr Wood will begin in the role on Monday, June 26 after most recently serving as Cardinia Shire operations manager.
The director position was vacated in early April when Cohen Van der Velde switched into a new role. He is now strategy and organisational performance director.
After an extensive and competitive recruitment process, Baw Baw Shire announced Mr Wood’s appointment last week.
His leadership experience spanning more than 30 years in a range of different industries as well as roles in consulting and capital delivery were praised.
“Ben brings with him a wealth of proven experience and expertise leading largescale infrastructure delivery and maintenance,” Baw Baw Shire acting chief executive officer Leanne Hurst said.
“He is an inclusive, highly collaborative and humanistic leader, with a track record for coaching, enabling and supporting staff to achieve great outcomes,” she said. “We’re delighted to welcome him to Baw Baw.”
Mr Wood said he was excited to join Baw Baw Shire where “we have the privilege of witnessing the tangible impact our work has on people’s lives”.
“Personally, I derive a real sense of purpose and inspiration knowing that the roads we pave and facilities we build shape the environments where people live, where families grow, and where children learn and play,” Mr Wood said.
“At Baw Baw, I’m looking forward to delivering work of significant value that will leave a lasting positive imprint on this beautiful region’s rapidly growing neighbourhoods and communities,” he said. “I cannot wait to get started.”