Director takes on new role

Baw Baw Shire's community infrastructure director Cohen Van der Velde has taken on a new role, being appointed the strategy and organisational performance director.

Following an extensive and competitive external recruitment process for the position, vacated by Caz McLean last year, Mr Van der Velde was successfully appointed and took up the position last week.

Shire chief executive officer Mark Dupe said Mr Van der Velde had been a valuable member of council's executive leadership team over the past five years.

As community infrastructure director, he led a number of projects including: key policy changes such as the Capital Works Evaluation Policy, and refreshing the Long Term Infrastructure Plan to guide council decision-making; and, leading the transition to a new road maintenance contract. Mr Van der Velde is a qualified civil engineer and has worked in engineering design, construction, and project management roles predominantly within the local government sector.

Mr Dupe said with a strong passion for developing high performing individuals, teams and workplace culture, Mr Van der Velde was a certified organisational coach, and an accredited facilitator in engagement.

"Cohen brings a wealth of enthusiasm, knowledge, and insight into this new position," Mr Dupe said.

Recruitment is currently underway to fill the position of community infrastructure director position, which is currently being filled in an acting capacity by infrastructure assets and recreation manager David Hair.