Merri-bek City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO
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Merri-bek City Council is pleased to announce that Ms Kate McCaughey has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer
Originally trained as an urban planner, Kate McCaughey has over 25 years’ experience working in the public and private sector, in community services as well as infrastructure planning and delivery.
Kate is currently Director Community Services at the City of Boroondara and with extensive executive experience drawn from her previous roles with the City of Whittlesea and Moonee Vallee City Council, she is passionate about the role of local government and its ability to bring people together and make communities better places to live.
Kate has led a wide variety of projects and services during her career, such as the $180m Mernda regional sports and aquatic centre, revitalisation of the Abbotsford Convent Precinct, redevelopment of Glenferrie Oval and advocacy on maternal child health, early years and aged care reform.
Kate’s passion for social inclusion has seen her deliver initiatives such as Boroondara’s inaugural LGBTQIA+ Community Roundtable, development of Whittlesea’s Aboriginal Gathering Place and ensuring Boroondara was one of only two Victorian Councils to pilot a Treaty Community Awareness & Information pilot project with the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage and Aboriginal Corporation, MAV and Reconciliation Vic.
Kate has a professional certificate in Asset Management (IPWEA), as well as degrees in Applied Science (Town Planning, RMIT), Visual Arts (Sculpture, VCA) and a Master of Public Administration (Melbourne University).
Merri-bek Mayor, Cr Natalie Abboud, said Council's chief executive officer recruitment process was extensive and thorough.
"Kate was chosen from an extremely impressive field of candidates, reflecting the strong reputation and future potential of our organisation," said Cr Abboud.
"We are delighted Kate will be leading our organisation as we deliver our 2025-2029 Council Plan to create a resilient, inclusive, and engaged community in Merri-bek," she added.
“I’m looking forward to joining Merri‑bek, getting to know staff, councillors and community, and contributing to the great work already underway,” said Ms McCaughey.
Ms McCaughey will commence in the role on 15 June 2026 and will become the sixth CEO since the municipality was formed in 1994.
Cr Natalie Abboud, Mayor
Merri-bek City Council