Dupe appointed shire CEO
Baw Baw Shire has a new chief executive officer.
Mark Dupe, who was interim CEO following the resignation of Alison Leighton in March, was last week unanimously endorsed by councillors for the position.
Following a six week recruitment process by Davidson Recruitment, Mr Dupe was appointed from a field of 67 applicants.
Mr Dupe began with the shire in September 2017 as corporate and community services director.
He said he looked forward to working with councillors and staff to deliver quality services and capital works programs for the community.
“I will also advocate strongly to state and federal governments, to ensure that our region is best placed for success in obtaining external grant funding, in order to deliver on our long term infrastructure projects and support the continued growth of our municipality,” he said.
Mayor Danny Goss welcomed the appointment, saying Mr Dupe had extensive experience in the local government, private and nor-for-profit sectors.
He previously held positions including corporate services general manager at the National Heart Foundation, director corporate development at Knox City Council and group manager corporate services at Bayside City Council.
Mr Dupe is chair of the Trade Training Alliance Baw Baw and is a board member of the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation.
He has a Bachelor of Economics and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a certified practising accountant.
“We see him as a perfect fit to continue the strategic and cultural journey started by previous CEO Alison Leighton.
Cr Goss said Mr Dupe bought a property in Drouin when he was appointed a director three years ago.
“He moved here and is committed to the community. He has immersed himself in the community. There is not a restaurant or café that he and his wife
Carrie haven’t visited in Baw Baw.
Cr Goss said Mr Dupe also was a member at the Warragul Country Club and a keen golfer.
“It is so important to be local and understand the issues,” he said.
Cr Goss said Mr Dupe was a CPA and his knowledge of local government finances and governance practices was first class.
“He has a great rapport with staff who are very happy with his appointment,” Cr Goss said.
Moving the motion that council appoint Mr Dupe, Cr Joe Gauci said Mr Dupe ticked all the boxes for ratepayers and the organisation going forward.
“This is an appointment of common sense. Mark Dupe has been a major part of the culture of our organisation and how we came to where we are today,” he said.
Cr Darren Wallace said Mr Dupe had been working in the background since he began at Baw Baw but had not been idle.
He said he had been a part of the continued cultural improvement of the organisation, which was endorsed by Ms Leighton when she left and a loud and clear message from staff who supported him.
Cr Keith Cook said there had been a field of quality applicants but Mr Dupe had stood out as a top performer.
Cr Cook said it was particularly pleasing that he lived in Drouin and had become involved in the community.