CRAIG Swift-McNair looks forward to the challenge of the next 12 months as Port Macquarie-Hastings Council drives forward with its long-term plan to deliver better services.
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Appointed acting general manager until the post is formally filled, Mr Swift-McNair said the first step in moving forward following the dismissal of Tony Hayward will be reinforcing the importance of strong leadership and a cohesive relationship between senior management and the council.
Mr Swift-McNair said the decision to dismiss Mr Hayward, after a stringent performance management review, was a difficult and bold move for the council, but one that will be seen by the community as in its best interests.
He added that being a familiar face at council will help ensure the transition phase and period of change is smooth, while not detracting from the momentum needed to focus on identifying the operational priorities for 2014-2015.
Mr Swift-McNair commenced his career in local government in August 2003 when he was appointed the strategic procurement manager at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
He enjoyed a successful career and appointment to senior managerial roles in corporate support, procurement and risk management and business services before leaving in 2009 to take up a post at Greater Taree City Council.
During his time as director of resource planning in Taree, Mr Swift-McNair was responsible for the financial and corporate services, governance, asset planning and management, human resources, IT, property management and communications portfolios.
He returned to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in 2012 and now oversees the areas of financial services, commercial and business services including the management of the airport and crematorium, economic development, the Glasshouse and the environmental laboratory.
“Our job, and my job as acting general manager is to get down to business. The community will have their views but our role as the management team is to push forward with the reforms we are working through at the moment,” Mr Swift-McNair said.
“Clearly losing the general manager is an issue but we have a very strong executive team and a very strong group management team.”
Mayor Peter Besseling said council will work closely with the organisation’s human resources staff to ensure swift action in the commencement of the recruitment process for a new general manager.
“Recruitment for this vital role will get underway as soon as possible and in the interim I have every confidence that Mr Swift-McNair can work with the councillors and staff to ensure services and functions of council are not adversely affected,“ Cr Besseling said. The position is likely to be advertised nationally. Mr Swift-McNair has been appointed to the acting role for a period no longer than 12 months.