Katherine Town Council has appointed Ian Bodill as its new chief executive six months after the former CEO Robert Jennings announced his departure to Alice Springs.
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His appointment was confirmed at Tuesday's council meeting, the last for the year.
Katherine Mayor Fay Miller, who sat on the selection panel said the recruitment process was "probably the longest period of recruitment I've been in".
"The parameters we had were quite specific.. It has been quite a challenge, but I am quite sure we've made the right decision."
Mr Bodill has been the chief executive in various locations across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and most recently at Longreach Regional Council. He stepped down in May of this year after four years in the position.
"Ian has been a great fit for the organisation and a popular and respected leader to our staff and Councillors alike. He's created a great team culture that has delivered some important results for our community," Mayor of Longreach Regional Council Ed Warren said.
"We're really grateful to him for everything he's done for council - he's going to be missed."
Moving to Australia from South Africa at around the age of 31, in 1986, Mr Bodill has worked in the mines as well as civil engineering companies.
He has a masters in emergency management and business and was the inaugural CEO for the Northern Territory's East Arnhem Regional Council.
Alderman Peter Gazey, who also sat on the selection panel said he is confident in the council's appointment.
Mr Bodill was interviewed twice by the panel, which consisted of the Mayor Fay Miller, alderman Elizabeth Clark and Peter Gazey, while acting CEO Allan McGill was tasked with recommending a suitable candidate.
According to council documents, from 14 applications, just five were shortlisted for an interview.
"The panel formed the view that there was one candidate it preferred above the others, but following further inquires, chose not to proceed with discussions," the document states.
"The position was again advertised and from a shortlist of four... the panel interviewed two of them on November 23, 2019."
"We knew what we were looking for," Alderman Gazey said.
"We didn't just appoint someone for the sake of appointing them.
"I didn't meet him personally, but I am confident in the selection."
Mr Bodill will be commencing with Katherine Town Council on January, 30, 2020, while acting CEO Allan McGill will cover the position until January 29.
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