Goulburn-Murray Water announced that it has appointed its first female Managing Director to replace Pat Lennon, who resigned last year following an ombudsman investigation into expense claims.
Charmaine Quick was announced as Managing Director and will leave her current role as Executive General Manager, Service Delivery, at Melbourne Water. In her current role at Melbourne Water, she is responsible for overseeing the 24/7 delivery of water, sewage, waterways and drainage services to Melbourne.
She will take the helm on 4 February during a crucial period, with challenges including the $2.1 billion Connections program.
“This is a truly exciting appointment for our business,” Goulburn-Murray Water Chairman, Diane James, said.
“The Minister for Water has set the key priority for our business as transforming to a new model that improves operations, keeps water prices low for customers and irrigators, and supports the future growth of the irrigation district across our region.
“Charmaine is the right person to lead this change.”
In a statement from the water authority, it said Ms Quick was known for her ability to influence and drive change at an organisation level, nationally and internationally, for asset management, relationship contract management and customer service.
She lists one of her key achievements as driving improvements in asset management at Melbourne Water through the development of its asset strategy.
This strategy is driving year on year efficiencies that ensures efficient services for its customers today, tomorrow and into the future.
“It is an exciting time to join Goulburn-Murray Water, where there is a strong vision of transformation to a service centric, efficient organisation,” Ms Quick said.
Ms Quick said it was her experience growing up on the family farm at Noradjuha in the Wimmera that ensured she understood the value of water and its importance to the social fabric of a community.