In what he described as a “dream job” three years ago, must no longer have the same appeal for Douglas Shire Council CEO Mark Stoermer who has announced his resignation with immediate effect.

On his appointment in mid-2018, he said the Douglas Shire role was his “dream job”.

“I had my first holiday at Port Douglas in 1999 and I have been coming back ever since.

“This has been my intention for a long time - it really is a dream job in a dream place,” he said.

Stoermer’s future came under a cloud earlier this month when a special meeting was held to discuss his contract, which expires next month.

But following the meeting, Mayor Michael Kerr said there was nothing “sinister” to be gained from this engagement.

“I can assure there is nothing sinister regarding current proceedings and Mark is on vacation for a couple of weeks, something he is entitled to.

“As this is a confidential matter, I cannot discuss any further. All I can add is that Mark’s contract is up for renewal in September and this was on the table at the special meeting,” said Kerr.

Juanita Warner has been appointed the Acting Chief Executive Officer.

“Mark indicated to me he did not wish to pursue his contract and has already vacated his position and we will start the process to replace him in due course,” said Kerr.

In a media statement, Stoermer said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the organisation and is proud of his achievements.

“The past three years has been a fascinating journey and I am really grateful to have met some amazing people in Douglas Shire.

“Upon the completion of this termed contract, I have decided that now is the right time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.

“I would like to thank all of the wonderful Council staff, the residents and ratepayers of Douglas Shire, and all Councillors over the last three years,” he said.

Achievements

Stoermer will be remembered for a number of achievements, including:

• Developed the 2019-2024 Corporate Plan
• Helped build the Economic Development Strategy
• Streamlined Council's organisational structure
• Worked through a new Certified Agreement
• Onboarding the new council after the 2020 local government election
• Led the organisation through COVID challenges; and
• Buy Douglas: Build Douglas campaign

Born in California, Stoermer has a strong background in local government including a five-year stint as corporate business director at the City of Melbourne. He was most recently Chief Executive Officer at Nillumbik Shire Council in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

On his appointment, Mark was described as a gifted corporate executive who has used his impressive financial credentials and marketing brilliance to excel in local government and the private sector.

Council is extremely confident he will deliver key outcomes that shape the future of Douglas Shire, it was said at the time.

Council will engage an external recruitment agency to conduct a search for its next CEO.

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