Council terminates employment of the CEO

Published on 27 November 2024

Media Release - Council terminates employment of the CEO

At its Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on 25 November 2024, Yass Valley Council resolved to terminate the contract of Mr Chris Berry, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in accordance with the provisions of Mr Berry's contract of employment, effective immediately. 

Mayor Jasmin Jones confirmed that Council would commence the recruitment of a new CEO in early 2025.

“Legislation requires Council to appoint an Acting CEO immediately, therefore, I thank the Director of Planning and Environment, Ms Julie Costa, for taking on the extra responsibilities as council has appointed her Acting CEO to lead the organisation.”

"Ms Costa will act in that role until the matter is considered further at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in December 2024. A permanent CEO will be recruited early in the New Year.”

Mayor Jones said Council would continue to focus on delivering quality services and infrastructure for the Yass Valley community, and improving the organisation’s financial performance. 

“For our customers, residents and ratepayers, it will be business as usual, and I can assure our community that there will be no interruptions to service delivery during this transition period,” she said. 

“Our Councillors, Management and staff remain firmly focused on improving Council’s financial performance and achieving positive outcomes for our customers and community.”