Dr Katrena Stephenson has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), making her the first female CEO in the organisation’s 102 year old history.

Dr Stephenson has been acting CEO since the departure of Allan Garcia on 1 May 2015 and has been the Policy Director at the association since late 2007.

Dr Katrena Stephenson, newly appointed CEO of LGAT

Dr Katrena Stephenson, newly appointed CEO of LGAT

LGAT Acting President, Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam, said Dr Stephenson was best suited to the hotly contested role, which attracted 27 applicants from Tasmania and interstate.

“Katrena’s extensive experience in local government and the strong networks she has established made her a unanimous choice,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“The General Management Committee of LGAT is looking forward to working with Katrena in moving the association and the local government sector forward during a time of reflection and change.”

Dr Stephenson is also an appointed observer to the Local Government Managers (Tasmania) Board and a member of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government Research Advisory Committee.

Prior to commencing employment at LGAT, Dr Stephenson held policy, advisor and evaluation roles in a number of Tasmanian Government departments and in the UK.

Dr Stephenson is excited at the prospect of driving the association and supporting its members, and looks forward to the challenges of working with association members, the Tasmanian Government and other stakeholders, to further progress local government in the state and ensure that it remains responsive and committed to the communities it represents.