A full-time replacement for former general manager of Yass Valley Council, Chris Berry, has been announced. Photo: Supplied.
A new face has been appointed to Yass Council’s executive team, months after the previous CEO was sacked by councillors.
Then-CEO Chris Berry was sacked in November 2024 at an extraordinary meeting of the council. Region understands the motion to terminate his employment was unanimous.
Experienced local government leader Gayleen Burley has joined Yass Valley Council as his replacement.
Mayor Jasmin Jones welcomed Ms Burley to her new role with the council.
“We are thrilled that Ms Burley and her family will be moving to Yass Valley, and I know our residents will extend a warm welcome as she settles into her new role,” she said.
Ms Burley has worked in budget management, team leadership and service delivery to rural and regional communities through her work across northern NSW local government.
“On behalf of all the Yass Valley councillors, I am delighted to announce our unanimous decision to appoint Ms Gayleen Burley as our new CEO,” said Ms Jones.
“We were impressed by Ms Burley’s commercial acumen, business management skills, and strong background in planning and asset management, which we believe are the perfect fit for council’s current challenges,” she said.
Ms Burley most recently served as Director of Place and Growth at Glen Innes-Severn Council in NSW’s New England region.
Before that, she held senior local government positions at Kempsey Shire and Port Macquarie-Hastings, where she managed large portfolios of community assets and council personnel, including Port Macquarie Airport, saleyards, caravan parks, and sporting and cultural centres.
Gayleen Burley has joined Yass Council. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Burley said she was “delighted” to be joining Yass Valley Council.
“I look forward to working with council staff to build on the high level of services provided to the community and ensuring that council remains financially sustainable now and into the future,” she said.
“I want to ensure that council engages with and listens to the community, so that the services we provide are efficient, reliable, and relevant to the needs of our growing population.
“This is an exciting time for Yass Valley, and I look forward to the challenges, improvements, and opportunities ahead to help shape an already great place to live, work and visit, into an even better one.”
Yass Council has acknowledged the contribution of Julie Costa, council’s Planning and Environment Director, who has been Acting CEO.
“Ms Costa stepped up in challenging circumstances and has demonstrated strong leadership skills and unwavering commitment to our community and council staff. Council is enormously grateful to Ms Costa for her professionalism and fortitude in steering council to a much stronger position going forward,” Ms Jones said.
Ms Costa will continue as Acting CEO until Ms Burley commences as CEO in mid-April, starting a contract term of five years.
Original Article published by Claire Sams on About Regional.
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