Chief Officer appointed for ACT State Emergency Service


Released 18/10/2017

Following a national recruitment campaign and selection process, Ms Georgeina Whelan AM has been appointed as the new Chief Officer of the ACT State Emergency Service.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said Ms Whelan would bring a wealth of experience to the role.

“I am pleased to welcome Ms Whelan to her new role within the ACT Emergency Services Agency,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Ms Whelan will be the first female full-time Chief Officer of the ACTSES, and I’m pleased the ACT Government has recruited such an accomplished female leader into this important role.

“Ms Whelan has nearly 30 years’ experience in the Australian Army, most recently as the Chief of Staff for the Australian Defence Force Headquarters.

“She has managed and led both humanitarian aid and disaster responses at a national and international level.

“Ms Whelan also has a wealth of knowledge and experience in successfully recruiting, training and retaining a volunteer-based workforce.

“She will also bring to the job practical experience as a leader in delivering business reform and major organisational change. I look forward to seeing the contribution she makes to one of the ACT Government’s great volunteer-based organisations,” Minister Gentleman said.

Ms Whelan takes on the role following the departure of former Chief Officer Conrad Barr, who transferred to another executive position within the ACT Government.

“I would like to thank Mr Barr for his contribution to the ACTSES and wider ESA over many years and Tracey Allen, who has acted in the ACTSES Chief Officer role since Mr Barr’s departure,” Minister Gentleman said.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases


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