Dubbo Regional Council CEO Michael McMahon is set to leave the top administrative job in the coming months.
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McMahon, who's served as Council's Chief Executive since 2018, following a one year tenure as interim CEO, will officially retire at the start of April.
His time as CEO saw council face the impacts of both the 'worst drought on record' and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which provided formidable financial headwinds for the Dubbo Regional Council to deal with.
Mr McMahon said responding to those troubles were some of council's most significant accomplishments during his tenure.
"Putting the region on track to be in a better strategic position to withstand another 'worst drought of record' through massive water security infrastructure investment, thanks to Council, NSW and Australian Government funding, has been a key achievement," Mr McMahon said
"Reshaping Council's structure and business model to withstand unplanned financial pressures, through some diligent hard work by staff and the community, is another achievement I'm proud of."
McMahon came to Dubbo after a stint at Burwood's council in Sydney, and previous service in Wagga Wagga and other regional councils.
Mayor Ben Shields said that McMahon had provided 'a bright future' for the Dubbo region.
"With over 40 years of local government experience, Michael was the right man to lead this Council and his achievements during his time in Dubbo mean we owe him a great deal of gratitude," Mr Shields said.
"His vision and strategic management have ensured Dubbo is in a healthy financial position despite some unprecedented challenges and while some Councils have struggled, Dubbo has continued with minimal disruption."
Among the projects whose success Mr Shields attributed to McMahon were the Dubbo Regional Cycling Faciltiy, the new Wellington Aquatic Leisure Centre and the further development of the city's airport.
"There are many other projects Michael has laid the foundation for that will come to life in the next few years, Dubbo will continue to see the benefit of his hard work," Mr Shields said.
Mr McMahon and his wife Narelle will split their time between the Central West and Sydney during their retirement.
"I would like to thank the Mayor, Councillors, Council staff, and the community, for their support," Mr McMahon said.
"It genuinely has been a great honour and privilege to spend my adult life working in local government and working for fantastic communities like the Dubbo Region. I wish everyone the very best of success and good health for their future."
An interim CEO will be named to take over the role from April 1, and will serve until after the council elections slated to be held in September.
Following the elections, council will begin selecting a permanent replacement for the CEO role.