Yarriambiack Shire Council will start a recruiting drive to find a new chief executive after the resignation of Jessie Holmes.

Ms Holmes announced her resignation to councillors and staff on Friday. 

Councillors will formally accept the resignation at their next public meeting on Wednesday next week.

Ms Holmes has accepted a regional position in the Wimmera with the State Government and will finish her time at Yarriambiack council in mid-January, 2022.

Councillors will appoint an acting chief executive at their December meeting as they start the process to replace Ms Holmes. 

New Yarriambiack mayor Kylie Zanker said Ms Holmes had ‘hit the ground running’ when she joined the council team in July, 2018.

“She has been a passionate leader and pivotal in bringing Yarriambiack Shire Council operations into the 21st century in a professional, accountable and transparent manner with changes to our governance, ICT and community engagement practices,” she said. “Jessie’s role in the implementation of more than 50 recommendations from the 2019 Local Government Inspectorate’s Report cannot be underestimated and the value she has brought to our council is immeasurable.” 

Ms Holmes said she considered being Yarriambiack council chief executive for the past three and a half years ‘an incredible privilege’.

“We have undertaken significant workplace change. I am so proud of our staff over the years and how they’ve adapted and embraced change, particularly during the past 20 months,” she said.

“I am sad to be leaving this amazing organisation and team and very grateful for being able to serve the Yarriambiack community.” 

Cr Zanker said the local government sector and beyond held Ms Holmes in high regard.

“She is a well-respected and admired chief executive officer. Jessie has transformed our council for the better,” she said.

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