Mayor announces appointment of General Manager
Wingecarribee Mayor Councillor Duncan Gair has today announced the appointment of Ann Prendergast as General Manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council.
“I am absolutely delighted on Ann’s appointment,” Councillor Gair said. “I whole-heartedly congratulate her on her success and look forward to working with her.”
The decision to appoint Ms Prendergast as General Manager was unanimously agreed to by all Councillors following a final resolution which took place during an Extraordinary Meeting of Council last night.
“Ann’s appointment is all the more pertinent considering the number of high calibre applicants and the rigorous recruitment process that was undertaken before the final decision was made.
“Her leadership and experience were critical to the final decision,” Councillor Gair added. “However, ultimately it was Ann’s vision for both Council and the greater Shire that shone through.”
“I am confident that with Ann’s direction, our Council can demonstrate to the NSW State Government that the Wingecarribee Local Government Area is Fit for the Future.”
Ms Prendergast hails from New Zealand where she was the General Manager of Strategy and Policy at North Shore City Council before establishing her own company. She has studied at both Harvard University in the United States and Massey University in New Zealand where she completed a Bachelor and Masters of Business Studies, Majoring in Accounting and Finance.
Ms Prendergast has worked at Wingecarribee Shire Council since 2012 where she took on the role of Deputy General Manager Corporate and Strategy before acting in the role of General Manager in 2013.
“I thank the councillors for the confidence they have shown in my leadership,” Ms Prendergast said.
“I look forward to working with them and together helping to deliver the very best outcomes for our Shire and our ratepayers.
“My immediate goal is to secure the long-term financial viability of the Shire and ensure our voice is heard.”
The appointment of Ms Prendergast is for an initial tenure of five years.
“The Southern Highlands is a wonderful area in which to live,” Ms Prendergast added. “And similarly, this organisation is a fantastic place in which to work.”
“I’m confident that together with the councilors and the skills of our staff, we can collectively tackle the challenges we will undoubtedly face in the years ahead.”
Selection and interviewing for the position was undertaken by McArthur Recruitment Services.