New Douglas Shire CEO lands his 'dream job'


A California-born Victorian with extensive public and private sector experience is the Douglas Shire's new Chief Executive Officer.

Mark Stoermer, most recently the CEO of Nillumbik Shire Council in Victoria, won the job from a field of 35 applicants. He has a background in financial and accountancy firms before switching to local government work for the City of Melbourne in 2010.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu made the announcement at a Special Council Meeting in Mossman this morning. Mr Stoermer will enter the arena at Douglas Shire at a crucial time for the council as it awaits news from Crystalbrook Collection about its shelved plans for the Marina development.

"We have chosen a strategically strong executive who is a proven leader,” Cr Leu said. “Mark is a gifted corporate executive who has used his impressive financial credentials and marketing brilliance to excel in local government and the private sector."

"It is a testament to Mark’s extensive experience and character that he was the standout candidate in a really talented pool of applicants.”

Mr Stoermer described the new role as his “dream job”.

“I had my first holiday at Port Douglas in 1999 and I have been coming back ever since,” he said. “This has been my intention for a long time - it really is a dream job in a dream place.”

“I have a huge passion for preserving the environment and growing the tourism industry. I look forward to working closely with the Mayor and Councillors to harness this passion and deliver key outcomes for this beautiful region.”

Mr Stoermer will start the new role in coming months.


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