Outgoing Shire of Mingenew CEO Nils Hay appointed Mid West Development Commission chief executive

The Mid West Development Commission has a new incoming boss, with Shire of Mingenew CEO Nils Hay appointed to the role after an 18-month search. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Mr Hay’s attributes included senior leadership experience across the public sector and a connection to the Mid West. “The Mid West has enormous potential to take a big leap forward with new industries and new opportunities for the community,” she said. “The McGowan Government is delivering economic and social investments across the Mid West to help unlock that potential and the Mid West Development Commission plays a key role in driving that agenda. “Nils brings to the role a history of connection to the Mid West, a relationship with the region’s Aboriginal communities and a real understanding of the opportunities for the region. “Importantly, Nils has shown strong and energetic leadership in promoting 21st century industries in the region.” Mr Hay has previously been CEO of Gulf Savannah Development and deputy CEO of the Shire of Burke Shire in western Queensland. He has been in charge of Mingenew Shire for almost four years — the last year of which has been dominated by issues surrounding recovery from cyclone Seroja. Mr Hay will step down as Mingenew CEO on June 17. “I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as CEO of the Shire of Mingenew, proud of the team that I have built and I feel personally invested in many of the projects that I have been working on over the last four years and the community in general,” he said. Ms MacTiernan thanked Anne Finlay, who has been acting CEO of the commission for the past 16 months.