Council Appoints New General Manager
Published on 26 May 2022
Coffs Harbour City Council has appointed Natalia Cowley to be its new General Manager.
"This has been an extremely thorough recruitment process that has looked at many talented candidates Australia wide,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Paul Amos.
“I am pleased to report that we have been able to fill the position of General Manager with an exceptional leader.
“I am very confident that Natalia will deliver the stability, focus and forward momentum that will put Coffs Harbour Council in a strong position to meet current challenges and emerging opportunities.”
Ms Cowley is a Chartered Accountant with extensive leadership experience in the local government and international financial services sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Bermuda.
She joins Coffs Harbour City Council from Central Coast Council where she was Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer from late 2020 and where she developed Central Coast Council’s Financial Recovery Plan and Long Term Financial Plan to transition them from a financial crisis to operational surplus a year later. Prior to that, she was Chief Financial Officer with Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Ms Cowley brings with her robust financial acumen, economic development flair and proven expertise in strengthening organisational cultures.
“I’m delighted to be joining Coffs Harbour City Council on 1 July 2022 to work closely with the Mayor and Councillors, to help realise their vision for the City and build on the high level of service and entrepreneurial business unit offerings provided by Council staff to the community and beyond,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to meeting the staff and team. I want to establish a very strong partnership across the departments and business units and am looking forward to visiting, listening to and speaking with all outdoor and indoor staff.
“I want to ensure that Council is financially sustainable now and into the future, so staff have the resources to continue to add value to the community and to do their jobs effectively, while supporting their professional goals, aspirations and growth.
“This is an exciting time for the Coffs Harbour region and I look forward to the many challenges, improvements and opportunities ahead to help shape an already great place to live, learn, work, play and visit into an even better one.”