Dr Katrena Stephenson has been appointed as the new CEO of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), the first female chief in the organisation’s 102 year history.

Dr Stephenson has been acting CEO since the departure of Allan Garcia in 2015, and has been the Policy Director at the Association since late 2007.

Before starting at the LGAT, Dr Stephenson held policy, advisor and evaluation roles in a number of Tasmanian State Government departments and in the UK.

“The position of CEO was hotly contested, with 27 applicants from Tasmania and interstate,” said LGAT Acting President, Mayor Daryl Quilliam.

“However, Katrena’s extensive experience in Local Government and the strong networks she has established made her a unanimous choice.”

“The General Management Committee of LGAT are looking forward to working with Katrena in moving the Association and the Local Government sector forward during a time of reflection and change,” Mayor Quilliam said.

Dr Stephenson is also an appointed observer to the Local Government Managers (Tasmania) Board and a member of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government Research Advisory Committee.

She says she is excited at the prospect of driving the Association and supporting its members, and looks forward to the challenges of working with members, the State Government and other stakeholders, to progress Local Government and ensure that it remains responsive and committed to the communities it represents.