Michael Deegan appointed new Inner West CEO
Wednesday 20 February 2019
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne is pleased to announce that the highly experienced infrastructure chief and government leader Michael Deegan has accepted Council’s offer to become the new Chief Executive Officer of Inner West Council.
Mr Deegan has over 40 years of experience as a Senior Officer in State and Federal Government.
His previous roles include that of the Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure from 2014- 2018. Prior to this Mr Deegan was the National Infrastructure Coordinator (CEO) at Infrastructure Australia, and Chairman of the National Transport Commission.
Michael has also served as Director-General of the NSW Department of Transport, NSW Coordinator General of Rail and has held positions as Assistant Secretary of the Commonwealth Deputy of Administrative Services, and the Deputy Secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne welcomed Mr Deegan’s selection as Council’s new Chief Executive Officer, saying the appointment comes at an important time in the implementation of major projects such as the Ashfield Pool redevelopment and the GreenWay.
“This appointment is a real boost for the inner west,” he said.
“Attracting someone of Mr Deegan’s professional calibre will allow us to take the Inner West Council to the next level and build something really special.
“Michael has a massive amount of experience with the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects and services at both a state and national level.
“His expertise will ensure Inner West Council continues to deliver vital community services and major projects while ensuring ratepayers get the best possible value from every dollar.
“Our objective is to deliver the highest quality of infrastructure and services of any local government in Australia. Having such a highly qualified and regarded leader as the CEO of the Inner West will help us to achieve this.
“He will be a real hands-on CEO who will engage directly with our community and Council staff at the coal face.
“Michael has a proven track record of forging strong working relationships with colleagues, as well as stakeholders in the community, business and government. I welcome his appointment to this crucial leadership position.
“I would also like to acknowledge outgoing General Manager, Rik Hart, and thank him for his commitment and dedication to Inner West Council over the past two and a half years.”
Mr Deegan said that he was delighted to accept the appointment as CEO.
“This is a different role for me, but I am very passionate about coming to work in the Inner West,” he said.
“I believe that we can really build on the opportunities I see here with the vibrant community and the very talented staff of this Council.”
For media enquiries, please contact Kate Walsh on 9392 5685 or kate.walsh@innerwest.nsw.gov.au