The CEO of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) is resigning.

LGAT president Christina Holmdahl has announced today the departure of CEO Dr Katrena Stephenson, who is leaving the organisation to take up the role of Director Environment, Development and Community at Kingborough Council.

“Dr Stephenson has provided dedicated and strong leadership to the Tasmanian Local Government sector and delivered significant outcomes for councils,” Cr Holmdahl said.

“This includes securing over $2.5M in grant funding for LGAT, helping Tasmania lead the nation in moving to a new National Local Government Industry Award, ensuring ongoing Local Government ownership of TasWater, implementing a range of new member services, leading collaboration and joint advocacy with other peak bodies for the benefit of our members and growing LGAT Procurement so that over $2 million in savings were delivered to councils in the last year alone,” she said.

“Dr Stephenson has provided a strong advocacy voice for Local Government and is respected by her peers within our sector, as well as those she deals with in State Government, other peak bodies, industry groups, other state Associations and the wider community.

“I wish Katrena well in her new endeavours and advise that the General Management Committee of the Association will be implementing a recruitment process for the appointment of a new CEO in the near future,” Cr Holmdahl said.

Dr Stephenson will formally commence her role at Kingborough Council on 6 January 2021. LGAT’s Policy Director Mr Dion Lester will act as CEO while recruitment is undertaken.