The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has a new CEO.

The MAV board has appointed experienced local and State Government executive Kerry Thompson to the role.

Ms Thompson will join the MAV on 21 August 2018, replacing outgoing CEO Rob Spence and becoming the first woman to hold the role since the MAV was formed in 1879.

MAV President, Cr Mary Lalios said Ms Thompson is an accomplished leader whose expertise in senior local and State Government roles would be invaluable to the Victorian local government sector.

“Kerry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with both local and State Government,” Cr Lalios said.

“She is a former CEO of both Wyndham City Council and Maribyrnong City Council, a Deputy Secretary (Investment and Business) for Transport for Victoria, and acting Chief Executive at VicRoads.

“Her appointment concludes an exhaustive recruitment process, and is an important milestone for the MAV and Victoria’s local government sector.”

Ms Thompson said she was excited to return to the local government sector.

“The local government sector keeps Victoria running,” Ms Thompson said.

“Victorian local government has annual revenue of $9.9 billion, employs more than 43,400 people and provides more than 100 different services,” Ms Thompson said.

“I look forward to advocating on behalf of the MAV’s members, building capacity within the sector and promoting the role of local government in Victoria.”