The organisation’s three most senior staff are all new to the city and will all start on the same day at the end of January.

Recently appointed chief executive Peter Dennis conducted the interviews in late December after receiving 60 application for the two jobs.

Lindsay Woodland will be the new group leader for organisation services.

And Mark Piorkowski will be head service delivery.

Mr Woodland has more than 15 years of executive experience leading teams at Ergon Energy, Queensland Rail, and AGL.

“I am really looking forward to working with the communities of the Armidale Region and my team and colleagues at Council through this next phase of the journey,” Mr Woodland said.

“My wife and I are also looking forward to relocating to Armidale and playing an active role in the regional community.”

Mark Piorkowski has over 20 years executive leadership experience in the government, not-for-profit and commercial sectors.

Having worked in regional and major urban councils, Mr Piorkowski brings significant local government experience including holding a role as Specialist Advisor with Brisbane City Council.

He has also held positions as government business portfolio leader for the AEC Group and as executive manager planning and development services at Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

Mr Piorkowski said he was very excited to be appointed in the new role.

“Council has a strong role to play in facilitating and enabling regional prosperity through customer focused services and I look forward to making my own contribution as part of Council team,” he said.

Council’s administrator Ian Tiley said both applicants were outstanding and impressed the selection panel.

“This is an exciting time as we put together very strong foundations upon which the new Armidale Regional Council will develop into one of the leading Councils in the State,” he said.

Mr Woodland, Piorkowski and Dennis will start their new roles on January 30.