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Chief Executive Officer Recruitment

The Shire of York is currently recruiting for a CEO following the resignation of Chris Linnell in July 2025, after almost 6 years in the role.  At Council's July 2025 Ordinary Meeting, Alina Behan was appointed as Temporary CEO until a substantive CEO commences employment.

The recruitment process is to be conducted in accordance with the Model Standards contained in Schedule 2 of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 and Policy G26 - Model Standards for CEO Recruitment, Performance and Termination.

Details on the recruitment process, when available, will be shared on this page.  It is expected that the process to recruit, select and appoint a substantive CEO will be in the vicinity of six to nine months.

For Agendas and Minutes related to the CEO recruitment process, please refer to the applicable meeting in the Council Meetings webpages.

CEO Selection Panel

Under the Model Standards, a Selection Panel is required to be established which plays a crucial role in the recruitment and selection process. The Selection Panel has responsibility for assessing each applicant against Council’s endorsed selection criteria, verification of applicant qualifications and claims, and recommending one or more suitable applicants. In doing so, it is required to act in an impartial and transparent manner and in accordance with the principles of employment prescribed under Section 5.40 of the Local Government Act 1995.

At its 2 December 2025 Special Council Meeting, Council appointed the following Councillors as members of the CEO Selection Panel:

  • Cr Chris Gibbs, Shire President
  • Cr Denese Smythe, Deputy Shire President
  • Cr Monique Hutchinson
  • Cr Kevin Trent

Cr Welsh has been appointed as the Deputy member.

The CEO Selection Panel's Terms of Reference are available Via This Link. The Terms of Reference establish the parameters of the CEO Selection Panel’s role, with reference to the Model Standards and the process that has been adopted by Council.

Expression of Interest - CEO Selection Panel Independent Member

The CEO Selection Panel is to be made up of Elected Members and must include at least one (1) independent person.

The Independent Member is a voting member of the CEO Selection Panel, providing an unbiased perspective and will ideally contribute:

  1. Strong leadership and communication skills
  2. Understanding of good governance and previous experience working with Government bodies or Boards
  3. Knowledge and understanding in the operation of local governments
  4. Skills, expertise and experience in recruitment at an executive level, including local government

The Independent Member will ideally be:

  1. Experienced in the recruitment of CEOs or senior executives
  2. A former Council Member or staff member of a local government
  3. A prominent or highly regarded member of the community with relevant expertise

An Expression of Interest has been developed for people interested in being appointed as the Independent Member.  It should be noted that the role is voluntary with no remuneration payable.  Further details are available in the Expression of Interest Package, available via the link below. Applicants should also note the expected timeframe for the operation of the CEO Selection Panel mentioned above and consider their continued availability over that period.

Lodgement Process

Interested candidates are to complete the Expression of Interest Form and submit it to the Shire by no later than 4pm on Monday 22 December 2025. Responses are to be addressed to the CEO Selection Panel and can be lodged via email to records@york.wa.gov.au (preferred). Hand-delivered or posted submissions will also be accepted and can be sent to 1 Joaquina Street or PO Box 22 YORK WA 6302.