General Manager announces departure
In a joint statement Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager Jason Gordon and Mayor Juliet Arkwright have today announced the resignation of Mr Gordon.
Mayor Arkwright said the early release of Mr Gordon from his contract had been mutually agreed upon by both parties and ratified by Council earlier in the day.
“Council would like to thank Jason for the commitment he has shown in leading the organisation and the efficiencies he has introduced since his arrival,” Mayor Arkwright said. “Beyond Council he has also played a pivotal role in our community.”
“Of his many achievements, his focus on customer service, community engagement and his efforts in implementing a private works fee for service allowing Council to compete against private enterprise are of particular significance,” she said.
“So too has been his stewardship in steering the organisation through a restructure that has seen Council rationalise departments, paving the way for the cutting of bureaucratic red-tape.
“Jason was also instrumental in Council developing a financial strategy to deal with the repercussions from the CDO investments, and it’s fair to say he leaves this Council in a far better position than when he arrived.
“During his tenure Council has delivered several multi-million dollar infrastructure projects, including the Robertson Sewage Scheme, Southern Regional Livestock Exchange and soon to be opened Moss Vale Aquatic Centre,” the Mayor added. “Numerous parks, roads and water infrastructure project upgrades have also been realised as a direct result of his input.”
“We wish Jason and his family all the very best for the future.”
Mr Gordon thanked his family and friends for their support.
“I have enjoyed my time as General Manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council and together with the Executive team, am proud of the achievements that we have accomplished,” Mr Gordon said. “I am confident that the strategies we have put in place will ensure a bright future for Council and the Shire in the years ahead.”
“I wish the Mayor and councillors the very best for the future,” Mr Gordon said.
“I would also like to pay particular thanks to my colleagues and staff for their camaraderie, professionalism and friendship over the past four years,” he said. “I also thank the many wonderful friends I have met through local community, volunteer and business networks for their well wishes.”
“I have worked in Local Government for more than 20 years and I can confidently say that Wingecarribee Shire Council has some of the most talented staff that I have had the pleasure to work with,” Mr Gordon added. “I will miss them immensely.”
“However I now look forward to spending more time with my wife and three young daughters.”
Mr Gordon has held the position of General Manager since late 2009 and had one year remaining on his current contract.
Mayor Arkwright said Mr Gordon will take leave before his official departure date, however he will vacate the role immediately.
Council’s Deputy General Manager Corporate and Strategy Ann Prendergast will relieve as Acting General Manager until an appointment in the new year.
Mr Gordon’s resignation is governed by a confidentiality clause and no further comment will be made by either party.