New CEO for CHB
Monique Davidson has been appointed the new chief executive of Central Hawke's Bay District Council.
Mrs Davidson is currently the Group Manager for Customer and Community Services at Horowhenua District Council, responsible for a large portfolio covering community services including parks, property and libraries, governance, communications and customer and regulatory services. Her role also covers the responsibilities of deputy chief executive.
She replaces long-serving chief executive John Freeman, who is due to depart council on April 7 after 12 years in the role. Mr Freeman announced last year he would not be seeking re-appointment.
Mayor Alex Walker said she was thrilled to announce the appointment, which had followed a rigorous recruitment process.
involving input from senior staff and councillors, and two levels of interviews.
“Council is delighted that Monique has been appointed to the chief executive role. We are confident that shewill ably lead the organisation during an exciting period for the district.
“There is a strong emphasis from councillors on developing an engaged and people-friendly council businesswith a ‘can-do’ attitude,” she said.
Experience in putting together and leading, strong customer-facing teams was a key factor in the decision but Mayor Walker said councillors were also impressed with Mrs Davidson’s strong leadership, management and planning skills.
“Council businesses are complex operations but we could see that Monique has unique skills for ensuring all parts are running efficiently and there is a strong level of accountability to the community.” Mrs Davidson, who holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University in Wellington and is is a member of the Local Government New Zealand Governance and Strategy Advisory Group, said shewas honoured to be appointed to the role.
“I am very excited about the opportunity, and look forward to working collaboratively with elected members to lead Central Hawke’s Bay District on the next stage of its journey.
“I am committed to serving local communities and building long term customer confidence through delivering effective and innovative services”.
“The local government sector is rapidly evolving and it’s an exciting time to be given the challenge to lead an organisation through that.”
Mrs Davidson will relocate to Central Hawke’s Bay with her husband and two children and will begin her new role on June 6.