ADELAIDE Plains Council (APC) has locked in chief executive officer James Miller to the role for the next seven years.
Elected members unanimously voted to retain Mr Miller as its boss during a 90-minute closed-door meeting on Thursday, August 22.
Mr Miller was named the then-Mallala Council’s acting CEO in December 2015, following the resignations of his predecessor Katrina Marton and mayor Duncan Kennington, the latter for health reasons, which happened within the space of one month.
He was later appointed to the full-time role, becoming the fourth person to fill the position in seven years, in what was a tumultuous time for the organisation.
Mr Miller said he was “extremely proud” to have led the council, when he helped rename to APC, over the past four years.
“The rebuild and rebrand of the organisation from the turbulence of 2015 to the stability that our community so richly deserves is a wonderful achievement by all involved,” he said.
“The decision of council to extend my contract enables us to continue to deliver on the foundations put in place.
“We, elected members and staff alike, are on an exciting journey and we must seize on the opportunities that abound.
“Let’s, in 2026, look back on this period with a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and fondness in making APC a real destination for investment, employment, education and lifestyle.”
Deputy mayor Marcus Strudwicke, who held the same position during the time of Mr Miller’s arrival, said he “looked forward with enthusiasm” to working further with the CEO.
“James commenced at APC just after the Pinery fire, and in the turmoil following the departure of both the mayor and CEO,” he said.
“He has step by step overseen the rebuilding of the organisation, its finances and its reputation.
“There are now record levels of activity and opportunity in our district, and under James’ watch the council has been well positioned to manage and progress this fortuity.”
Mr Miller will lead the council through the continual development of the Two Wells township, as well as the establishment of the Gracewood housing development in Mallala.
