Campbelltown Council has appointed Jai Rowell – a former NSW Minister – as interim CEO as it starts the process of head hunting a replacement for Lindy Deitz, who resigned earlier today.
The resignation, which has come as a shock, has shaken the Campbelltown community.
Sources within council have told the South West Voice that Ms Deitz, who has been in the CEO role for more than a decade, resigned after being informed on Tuesday that council wanted to change direction.
This morning, Ms Deitz handed in her resignation, which was marked ‘effective immediately’.
It’s believed she has already left the council building in Queen Street, where she has worked for more than three decades.
Ms Deitz then emailed a number of close associates to inform them of her departure.
“After serving Campbelltown for 33 years, I am writing to advise that I have tendered my resignation, effective today 6 November,’’ she said in the email.
“It has been a privilege to serve this community and to support Campbelltown’s growth and development over that time.
“I have had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated people, including our passionate staff, community members, local businesses, volunteers, government and industry partners, stakeholders and community organisations, all who have played an important role in shaping our city and its role in Western Sydney.
“Looking back, I feel enormous pride in all that Campbelltown has achieved.
“Looking ahead, I feel just as optimistic. The strength of this community has always been its people and the many people who continue to invest in its success.
“I leave with many valued memories and enormous pride in what we have achieved together. It has been an honour to serve this city.’’
The Voice has tried to contact Mayor Darcy Lound for comment, but our calls were not returned by the time we published this story.
The member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, a former councillor himself, thanked Ms Deitz for her long service to the people of Campbelltown.
“I would like to thank Lindy for her service to Campbelltown over 33 years, the last 11 as chief executive officer,’’ he said.
“I would also like to wish her all the best in her future endeavours.’’
The interim council CEO, Jai Rowell, is currently Executive General Manager – City Planning and Corporate Services.
A former Campbelltown councillor, Mr Rowell served as minister for mental health in the Baird Liberal Government, after being elected member for Wollondilly in 2011.
Mr Rowell is one of two executive general managers in council’s executive structure recently established by Ms Deitz.
Council insiders say that being appointed interim CEO makes Mr Rowell favourite to get the post if councillors decide to appoint someone from within the organisation – after looking at applicants from outside the organisation.
