MEDIA RELEASE
2 December 2025
Acting CEO until November 2026
Kristen Clark has been Acting Chief Executive Officer since May 2025. In the brief time Kristen has been Acting CEO he has worked extensively on the financial position of the council, ensuring our Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget obligations have been met, identifying challenges we need to face and working toward solutions. However, much of his time is spent dealing with day-to-day operational matters and this is having an impact on the delivery of key strategic documents that are both a requirement for legislative compliance but also form the basis of our future financial foundation and regrowth.
Deirdre Albrighton has worked with Peterborough Council in her capacity as a consultant over the last six years and has supported me and the Chamber at times of change and with the staff and CEO transitions. Deirdre comes with a long history in state, federal and local government expertise and is dually qualified to take on the role at this time. This will enable Kristen Clark to see to the critical business projects now required.
Kristen will continue to work with the Council as a Consultant through his business Lg Strategic Results and Deirdre Albrighton will transition to the role of Acting CEO as an employee on a full-time basis as of December 28, 2025, until November 30, 2026. This will ensure a smooth transition through the local government election process. Kristen will be at the forefront of the financial and infrastructure areas with Deirdre having oversight and continuing to work on the corporate, governance, community, social, people and culture areas of the organisation.
In addition to the delegated responsibilities under the Local Government Act,
Deirdre will ensure;
- Ensure sector efficiencies in shared services
- Ensure Peterborough District is represented and participates in the SATC future ‘Southern Flinders Tourism Plan’
- Efficiencies and effectiveness in operational costs and streamlining plant and equipment and IT infrastructure, whilst maintaining service standards
- Emphasising and leading customer engagement by empowering staff to problem solve in time and to find mutual solutions to issues.
- Strong collegiate leadership enabling and empowering DCP personnel to further develop skills, utilise and build team and personal capacity to maximise initiatives.
Improved organisational capacity by investing in local communities and local businesses where possible
- Increasing automation of business processes to free up staff to broaden and increase community engagement and services.
- Facilitate the relocation of staff to the new head office and the new chamber location
- Implement the new Volunteer program for 2026
- Negotiate the new Enterprise Agreement for the SAMSOA Staff.
- Implement strong governance policies and procedures to ensure accountability and financial viability are ongoing and adhered to.
- Oversight of the 2026 Council Elections
- In conjunction with the Mayor, have oversight of the recruitment for a long-term CEO to commence in January 2027
Kristen will enter a commercial agreement with the Acting CEO to provide a service to council as the Principal Consultant for Finance and Infrastructure.
This will ensure;
- financial oversight for strategic financial matters,
- reporting for council and audit and risk and a presence at both meetings when they occur,
- financial risk management and accountability
- oversight of large Infrastructure projects and grants and acquittals
Corporate
· Long term Financial Plan
· Strategic Plan Review and Consultation
· Annual Business Plan and budget 2026/2027
· Lead End of Financial Year 2026
Infrastructure
· Asset Management Plan (including road programs)
· Asset revaluations
· CWMS remedial work negotiation
· CWMS fees and charges review
***END***
Authorised by Ruth Whittle, Mayor District Council of Peterborough
Enquiries to