24 April 2020
Southern Downs Regional Council would like to thank departing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Keenan for his service to the community over the last five years.
Appointed in January 2015, Mr Keenan came to the Council with a strong background in public administration, planning and economic development, having served as CEO at Councils in Victoria and New South Wales.
Mr Keenan played an instrumental role in attracting investment and employment to the region, as well as increasing the level of funding for important projects from both State and Federal Government.
He also helped guide the Council organisation and community through challenges including floods, bushfires, the crippling and ongoing drought and the current COVID-19 situation. Additionally, Mr Keenan led a major financial reform process to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of the organisation.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi congratulated Mr Keenan on the valuable contribution he has made to the Southern Downs region.
“On behalf of the Council and our community, I would like to thank Mr Keenan for his commitment over the last five years,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Mr Keenan said “I would like to thank the staff of the organisation for the very good work that they do every day of the week, as well as their resilience in dealing with natural disasters. I would also like to offer my thanks to the three Mayors and sets of Councillors that I have worked with over the past five years. Finally, I would like to thank the various sporting groups that made me and my family welcome. I wish the new Mayor and Council well for the next term.”