Council identifies preferred candidate for CEO role

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has identified Nick Hauser as its preferred candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Councillors are expected to formally consider Mr Hauser's appointment at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday, 19 August.

Mayor Tanya Milligan said Mr Hauser emerged as the standout candidate from a highly competitive recruitment process.

"We received 44 applications for the position, demonstrating that our Council and region are seen as attractive places to work, lead and contribute," she said.

"Our recruitment priorities included proven local government leadership experience, a commitment to building a positive organisational culture, the ability to lead by example and a focus on strengthening what is already working well within our organisation.

"Nick strongly demonstrated all of those qualities throughout the recruitment process."

Mayor Milligan said Mr Hauser brings more than 20 years of local government experience to the role and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities.

"Nick grew up in Helidon and Gatton and has strong multi-generational family ties to the Lockyer Valley, giving him a genuine connection to our region and community," she said.

"He currently works with Toowoomba Regional Council and has held a number of senior leadership positions, including several periods as Acting Chief Executive Officer.

"His experience spans strategic planning, governance, disaster management, service delivery and organisational leadership, making him exceptionally well placed to lead our organisation into the future."

Mayor Milligan said Council was looking forward to working with Mr Hauser and supporting the organisation's continued success.

"While Council has experienced a period of leadership change over the past nine months, the organisation has remained stable, continued delivering services to our community and maintained progress on key projects and priorities across the region," she said.

"That ongoing stability is a credit to our staff, leadership team and Councillors, who have remained focused on delivering outcomes for the community.

"We have a strong organisation, a dedicated workforce and a clear direction for the future. We are confident Nick has the experience, leadership style and local understanding to build on those strengths.

"Council looks forward to working collaboratively with Nick as we continue delivering for the Lockyer Valley community."