REDLAND City Council has announced the appointment of Louise Rusan as the city’s new CEO following a national recruitment process.
Having served as acting CEO since September 2024, Ms Rusan will now assume the role permanently.
Mayor Jos Mitchell welcomed the appointment, noting that councillors were confident in Ms Rusan’s ability to lead the city into its next phase.
“Councillors feel Louise will play an important role in supporting Council to set the new corporate and city plans,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“Louise’s experience in driving community-focused outcomes within complex organisations will ensure critical strategies, that shape how our region will thrive over the next two decades, deliver for our community.”
Ms Rusan’s appointment was confirmed after a short-listing process that involved all councillors prior to the final decision being made during last week’s General Meeting.
However, it appears that she does not enjoy the full support of all councillors.
Councillors voted 10-1 to appoint Ms Rusan – Cr Paul Bishop abstained, therefore his vote counted against the motion.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty expressed her support for the new CEO.
She said Ms Rusan’s appointment provided stability and opportunity for both the organisation and the city.
“It is a credit to Louise that her dedication and excellent leadership within Council over 15 years has been recognised with her selection as CEO,” Cr Talty said.
With nearly 15 years of experience in executive roles within Redland City Council, Ms Rusan brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.
She has previously led Community and Customer Services and has also served in executive leadership roles with Queensland Motorways and WorkCover Queensland.
At Queensland Motorways, she was instrumental in implementing free-flow tolling, and at WorkCover Queensland, she helped drive a financial turnaround.
Ms Rusan holds a Bachelor of Business, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Certificate in Organisational Coaching.
She has also had more than 15 years of private sector
experience earlier in her career.
The search for a new General Manager for Community and Customer Services will begin shortly to fill her former position.
