Speaking to Star Weekly last week, Ms Grigsby, the council’s community development director for the past
three years, replaces former chief executive Kerry Thompson, who left in August.
“I’m very excited and very much looking forward to my new role,” Ms Grigsby said.
But while former chief executive Ms Thompson was on a five-year contract, said to be worth up to $376,000 a year, it is not known whether Ms Grigsby will receive the same remuneration.
Ms Thompson was the highest paid municipal chief executive among all western suburbs councils.
“My key focus is to work closely with councillors to ensure that Wyndham instils confidence in our communities – making sure that we’re delivering on council’s city plans and projects, making sure we’re on the right track,” Ms Grigsby said.
“Monitoring and enhancing the livability of the city will be quite a challenge, especially during this time of immense growth in the area.
“We really need to ensure that we’re delivering on our plans for infrastructure.
“We have a very family-oriented community and a young demographic, which enriches the diversity of our community.”
Ms Grigsby’s career in local government spans her working life.
She has held a number of senior positions at Moorabool, Glenelg and Colac-Otway councils, and she spent a year working as an organisational management adviser in the Solomon Islands.
Ms Grigsby joined Wyndham after a period as interim chief executive at Brimbank council.
Her portfolios have ranged from planning and development, to engineering and asset maintenance.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said Ms Grigsby’s extensive local government experience and outstanding leadership skills would provide the city with a strong and committed leader.
“In her time at Wyndham, Kelly has developed strong links with the community and demonstrated a real determination to see the council delivering on community expectations,” Cr Maynard said.
“She has led a number of strategic projects for the city, which have focused on improving our approach to planning and to promoting increased community consultation.”
“As one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, Wyndham is facing enormous challenges.
“Councillors are confident in Kelly’s ability to lead the city during this time,” Cr Maynard said.
“We look forward to working with Kelly and congratulate her on her appointment to what is one of the biggest jobs in local government.”
