Cook gets new interim chief

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COOK SHIRE

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Last updated: 09/02/2018, 10:05:00 (AEST)

Ray Burton has been appointed interim CEO at Cook Shire Council. IMAGE: Supplied.

THE Cook Shire Council has opted for significant council experience with the appointment of Ray Burton as interim CEO, replacing Tim Cronin whose contract was not renewed.

Burton has more than 40 years of local government experience which includes serving in a similar role for eight years at Townsville City Council and six years at Pine Rivers Council.

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said the appointment of a permanent CEO could take several months and said there is a reason why an interim CEO will currently fill the role, and not someone internally.

“Cook Shire Council has a Chief Executive Officer and two directors at senior management level, and we do not have the resources within our own team to cover the CEO’s responsibilities,” he said.

Mayor Scott said the shire was fortunate to have such an experienced leader to steer the organisation during the recruitment process.

“Ray’s extensive experience in local government, with more than 20 years as a CEO, will stand us in good stead.

“His recent stints as interim CEO in other councils also means he is used to hitting the ground running, and he knows some of the unique challenges we face in the Far North after his time at other councils,” said Mayor Scott.