New Acting General Manager, Ian Stoneman. Image: Moree Online News
Moree Plains Shire Council’s Director Corporate Services Ian Stoneman has stepped into the role of Acting General Manager while Council recruits for a permanent replacement.
Mr Stoneman started in the role on Friday, June 19, following the departure of former General Manager Natalia Cowley.
Council resolved unanimously at its May ordinary meeting to appoint Mr Stoneman as Acting General Manager while recruitment is undertaken for the five-year General Manager contract.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Cr Susannah Pearse said Mr Stoneman would provide stability during the transition.
“Mr Stoneman is our longest-serving director and provides a safe pair of hands during this transition period,” Cr Pearse said.
“We are grateful to him for stepping up into the Acting GM role and providing stability to our team and community.”
Mr Stoneman has worked with Moree Plains Shire Council since February 2023.
Council lists him as Director Corporate Services, with responsibility for areas including finance, human resources, customer service, records, risk management, workplace health and safety, libraries, pools, payroll, Moree Plains Gallery, Gwydir Day Care and Preschool, and Mungindi Mobile Preschool.
His professional background includes senior roles across local government, health, disability services, training and defence recruitment.
His previous roles include positions with the Victorian Rural Generalist Program, Central Coast Council Tasmania, the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation, the National Disability Insurance Agency, Defence Force Recruiting and the City of Melbourne.
Mr Stoneman’s background includes work in administration, human resources, operations, strategic planning, resource management, business transformation, governance and improving organisational efficiency.
Recruitment for the permanent General Manager position will be undertaken in accordance with the NSW Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers.
The selection panel will be led by Mayor Cr Susannah Pearse and include Deputy Mayor Cr Wayne Tighe, Cr Debbie Williams, and an external recruitment consultant as an independent member.
Interviews for the permanent General Manager position are expected to be conducted by the full Council.
