THE Shire of Gingin has appointed a new chief executive officer, Zac Donovan, who is due to start on January 4.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 29 the Shire of Gingin said prior to his current position Mr Donovan spent many years with WALGA in senior executive positions.
“He also has extensive experience in media management and government relations, having held roles with WA Newspapers, the Adelaide Advertiser, Channel Ten and both the state and federal Departments of Premier and Cabinet,’’ the statement said.
“Throughout his career, Zac has demonstrated a strong commitment to organisational improvement, effective stakeholder engagement and the development of high-performing teams.
“He brings a wealth of local government knowledge, leadership experience and a genuine passion for regional communities.”
Mr Donovan started his role as the Shire of Koorda chief executive officer on February 3 last year
At the time Shire of Koorda President Jannah Stratford said having served in the acting role for the preceding 12 months, Mr Donovan had demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the shire and they were pleased to welcome him to the position in a permanent capacity.
When previous Shire of Gingin chief executive officer Scott Wildgoose resigned on May 22 he was the third to leave the role over an eight-year period.
Mr Wildgoose had been placed on leave while a workplace investigation was carried out following a decision at a special council meeting on Thursday, February26.
The Shire of Gingin has not made public the result of their workplace investigation.
Zac Donovan is currently the Shire of Koorda chief executive officer.On Tuesday Shire of Gingin President Linda Balcombe congratulated Mr Donovan on his appointment as chief executive officer.
“Zac Donovan’s experience as a CEO, combined with his background in advocacy, communications and local government leadership, positions him well to guide our organisation through the opportunities and challenges that come with a growing and thriving community,’’ Cr Balcombe said.
The statement said Mr Donovan thanked the council for the opportunity and said he was “looking forward to commencing in the New Year and working with the council and the community to help enhance the quality of life for residents across all the towns and locations that make up the shire”.
Cr Balcombe also thanked James Bayliss for his dedication and leadership as temporary chief executive officer since February 2026.
“During this period, James has provided stability, continuity and sound leadership for the organisation while the council undertook the chief executive officer recruitment process,’’ she said.
“James will continue in the role of temporary chief executive officer until Zac commences in January 2027, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support for staff, the council and the community during this period.”
“As per requirements of the model standards for CEO recruitment, performance and termination as set out in schedule 2 of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, recruitment of the new CEO was overseen by a CEO recruitment panel committee which consisted of four councillors, an external human resources consultant and an independent qualified member of the public,’’ the statement said.
