Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas will leave the position next month.
After three-and-a-half years at the helm, she said she was ready to explore new opportunities.
Ms Thomas started in the role in late 2020, focused on helping the community and council staff manage and overcome the challenges of COVID-19.
A council press release said one of her priorities was rebuilding the culture of the council, which is responsible for managing one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
“It has been very important for me during my time as council’s CEO that our staff feel valued when they come to work, that they feel supported and comfortable when they speak up,” she said.
“Feeling included in the workplace, contributing as part of a team and having a sense of purpose, makes the enormous amount of time spent at work so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
“To achieve that, the organisation’s culture values – Care, Respect, Trust, Curious and Connected – were built from the ground up making this a truly inclusive project.
“Those values are at the centre of all we do and that in turn drives our customer service charter and how we work with our community.”
Ms Thomas will step down from the role on June 14, with an interim CEO to be announced prior to that date.
She said the timing was right for her and husband Peter to explore new opportunities.
“Peter and I love the Sunshine Coast and the natural environment is a central point in our lives here,'” she said.
“From whale season, turtle hatchlings and volunteering on surf life saving patrol, to the Glass House Mountains and the Great Sunshine Coast Walk, we have enjoyed every moment.
“I’m now very excited to see what awaits me as I continue my career journey and I wish the new council and my colleagues all the very best.
“My wish for the community is to continue to be kind to one another.”
Ms Thomas cited making the Sunshine Coast more accessible through accessibility mapping and universal design as one of the very interesting projects over the past few years that could lead to positive change.
She said she was grateful to the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people for helping her and council gain a stronger understanding of country.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said Ms Thomas’ leadership style was one of living and leading by example.
“Kindness and empathy are Emma’s core values and that has shone through as I’ve settled into office,” she said.
“My fellow councillors and I have been grateful to have had Emma’s support and advice during what has been a very busy time, trying to learn so much.
“We have appreciated her calm professionalism and her commitment to openness and transparency.”
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