Palmerston North City Council Chief Customer Officer, Chris Dyhrberg, has been appointed the Council’s acting Chief Executive, while recruitment is underway for a permanent replacement for Heather Shotter.
Ms Shotter announced her resignation in late February. She begins a new role with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in Wellington this week.
Palmerston North Mayor, Grant Smith said recruitment will begin in the coming weeks.
“Palmerston North is experiencing major growth with more than $8 billion dollars being spent in the region in the coming eight to 10 years,” the Mayor said.
“This provides some challenges, but also some great opportunities. This role will help shape some of this exciting work and ensure Palmy continues to plan ahead, respond and care for its community as we pivot from being a regional town into a metro city.”
He says the recruitment process is expected to take around six months.
In the meantime, Mr Dyhrberg (pictured) who joined the Council in December 2018 will be acting Chief Executive.
“Chris has been our Acting CE previously and has done a great job as our Chief Customer Officer. He is well respected by staff, elected members, stakeholders and our community.”
Mr Dyhrberg says it was an exciting opportunity and welcomed the challenge.
“I have loved serving Palmerston North over the last few years and consider it a great privilege to step into the Acting Chief Executive role.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work with even more stakeholders and meeting more of our community over the coming months and ensuring we continue to provide a great service to our residents,” he said.
