City of Hobart appoints new CEO

Published on 05 March 2021

Highly experienced local government executive Kelly Grigsby has been announced as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the City of Hobart.

Currently the CEO of Wyndham City Council, Ms Grigsby has extensive leadership experience and achievements in the local government sector in Victoria.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said Ms Grigsby was selected by the Council after an extensive and highly competitive national recruitment process.

“The Council is pleased to have secured someone of Kelly’s calibre and experience,” Cr Reynolds said.

“She has been at the helm of one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, with a population of 280,000, since 2015. Kelly is recognised in the local government sector as an innovative, result-focussed and visionary organisational leader. We look forward to welcoming her to Hobart.”

Ms Grigsby is recognised as a sought-after leader with significant inter-governmental influencing experience at state, national and international levels, and is a highly respected sector-leading CEO with strategic foresight, committed to public value, innovation and building inclusive communities.

With qualifications in planning, development economics and community development, Ms Grigsby commenced with Wyndham City Council in 2012 as the Director of Community Development.

Ms Grigsby’s appointment will carry the title of CEO, which is in line with other capital cities.

She will be the City of Hobart’s first female top executive and one of only a few in Tasmania.

Ms Grigsby will succeed General Manager of 12 years Nick Heath, who announced in October that he would be stepping down from the role on 9 April.

“Nick has served the Hobart community for more than 30 years in an outstanding local government career,” Cr Reynolds said. “As General Manager for the past 12 years, his vast experience, knowledge and leadership has been invaluable.

“He is respected by his colleagues and Elected Members and we wish him the very best.”

Mr Heath welcomed the incoming CEO to the role.

“The City of Hobart is an outstanding organisation with a skilled and dedicated workforce,” he said. “I’m confident that Kelly will find the role as rewarding as I have and that her experience and leadership will be valued by the organisation as it navigates the challenging post-COVID era.”

Ms Grigsby has been appointed for a term of five years and will start in the role on 10 May, 2021.

Following Mr Heath’s departure in April, Deputy General Manager Tim Short will act in the role until Ms Grigsby commences.