Noreen Vu will start as the new CEO in July. Photo: Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
The executive team at Snowy Monaro Regional Council has a fresh face after the appointment of a new permanent chief executive officer (CEO).
Noreen Vu was appointed unanimously by councillors at their May meeting.
Mayor Chris Hanna welcomed Ms Vu to the region and said her appointment came on the back of a competitive and exhaustive recruitment process.
“The depth of our new chief executive’s experience across all three tiers of Australian public service and her impressive academic qualifications in numerous disciplines really made her the standout candidate in a very competitive pool of applicants,” he said.
Ms Vu will step into the role from 14 July following the conclusion of the current interim CEO Stephen Dunshea’s contract. He was appointed in November last year, after the previous CEO David Hogan resigned.
Mr Hogan tendered his resignation in October 2024, after joining Snowy Monaro Regional Council as its CEO in November 2023.
Ms Vu has worked across strategic planning, policy development and asset and utility management within the federal, state, territory and local government sectors.
She served in an executive role at Coonamble Shire Council, where she oversaw the portfolio of environment, strategic planning and community services. She is finishing a term as general manager at Weddin Shire Council in Central West NSW.
As the Snowy Monaro council continues its work to build a stronger and more sustainable organisation that works in closer partnership with its community, Ms Vu’s ability to engage with people at a grassroots level was a deciding factor behind her appointment.
She also brings her substantial academic background, consisting of bachelor’s degrees in Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) and Applied Science (Ecotourism), as well as master’s degrees in Planning, Environmental Law, and Business Administration.
“I’m excited to connect with the community here in the Snowy Monaro, and to continue Mr Dunshea’s work to ensure that our staff are valued and respected,” Ms Vu said.
“I appreciate the councillors’ confidence and look forward to working closely with the governing body to achieve our vision for council.”
Cr Hanna also thanked Mr Dunshea for taking on the role while a permanent appointee was sought.
“On behalf of the Snowy Monaro, I’d like to extend our warmest welcome to Ms Vu and give our sincere thanks to Stephen Dunshea for all that he’s done to get council on a positive track in his time as interim CEO,” he said.
“We wish him all the very best for the future and look forward to this exciting new chapter for our region and our organisation.”
