Organisational Structure

Kerryn Ellis

Chief Executive Officer

Kerryn Ellis is a passionate public sector leader with over 25 years experience, who is energised by working with communities in a context of rapid change. Kerryn's main professional love is building high performing, ethical and agile organisations with positive, values-based leadership that can work in partnership to deliver great outcomes with the community.

Kerryn's current role is Chief Executive Officer of South Gippsland Shire Council. Prior to this position, Kerryn held the positions of Director Corporate Services at Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, Director Corporate Performance with the City of Greater Bendigo, and Manager Governance and Innovation at Knox City Council. She has also previously worked for the City of Melbourne and Bayside City Council. Kerryn holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma of Public Policy and Management, and completed the LGPro Emerging Leaders Program in 2005, and the Executive Leadership Program in 2016.

Allison Jones

Director Performance and Innovation

A highly accomplished, visionary, humble and collaborative Senior Executive in the local government sector. With over 15 years of experience of delivery at the executive level, a track record in financial management, with an engaging and empowering leadership style, strong in governance and advocacy, Allison is a person who creates strong engagement with Councillors, the community and stakeholders.

As an economist, Allison is commercially aware and has an outstanding record in advocating for the needs and aspirations of local and regional communities. Allison has a reputation for consistent high quality delivery that is on time and on budget.

Allison is a leader who loves continuous improvement, is a team player with drive, persuasive skills and an underlying dedication to creating a culture of excellence.

Tony Peterson

Director Sustainable Infrastructure

Tony Peterson is a leader who is driven to deliver quality infrastructure that improves the day-to-day lives of the community who live in and move through South Gippsland.

Tony has developed the ability to clearly engage with communities, understand their needs to successfully provide infrastructure and open spaces which benefit the community.

Tony has over 30 years experience across private and local government sectors in all areas of infrastructure, he holds a Bachelor Degree of Engineering (Civil), a Diploma of Project Management, is a graduate of LGPro's Emerging Leaders Program, is nearing completion of a Masters in Business Administration, and is a Board Director of Gippsland Southern Health Service.

This extensive and diverse experience gives Tony the skills to lead and motivate committed teams to provide innovative, sustainable solutions for the benefit of the community.

Lucas Gardiner

Interim Director Future Communities

Lucas Gardiner is a committed leader who is passionate about partnering with community and business in pursuit of sustainable growth and development. Lucas’ strategic approach and passion for growing high performing teams enables him to connect people to the support networks and structures that help them to grow and prosper.

Lucas’ current role is Interim Director Future Communities at South Gippsland Shire Council and prior to this, Lucas was Manager Planning Services at South Gippsland. Lucas has a diverse background studying Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University. Prior to his time at South Gippsland, Lucas was Manager Planning Services at Mornington Peninsular Shire Council.