New executive team to drive Council transformation

Sunshine Coast Council has announced a new Executive Leadership Team following an extensive national and international recruitment process that attracted more than 500 applicants from across Australia and New Zealand.

Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker said the appointments marked an important step in positioning the organisation for the future.

“We undertook a comprehensive and competitive selection process to ensure we appointed high-calibre leaders with the right experience, values and vision to help deliver on Council’s priorities,” Mr Baker said.

“As part of this transformation, we have streamlined our organisational structure, reducing the number of departments from six to five.

“This change brings greater efficiency and a sharper focus on the areas our community has told us matter most.”

The four new Directors will join Mr Baker and Chief Financial Officer Keith Parsons on the Executive Team from 28 July 2025.

Debra Robinson – Director Sustainable Planning and Growth 

An internal appointment, Debra brings over 30 years’ experience in planning and development, with a deep understanding of the region and a strong reputation for cross-Council collaboration.

Debra Robinson – Director Sustainable Planning and Growth. 

Jodie Fielding – Director Community Strengthening

Jodie joins from the City of Gold Coast, where she led a major community portfolio including libraries, sport, arts and social inclusion. She brings a wealth of experience in community development and organisational design.

Jodie Fielding – Director Community Strengthening.

Jane Want – Director Business Transformation and Performance 

Jane brings more than 14 years of senior leadership in the NSW Government, specialising in public sector reform, governance and innovation to drive organisational improvement and performance.

Jane Want – Director Business Transformation and Performance.

Scott Whitaker – Director Infrastructure and Natural Assets 

Currently Regional Director for Transport and Main Roads, Scott oversees significant infrastructure delivery and is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to sustainable, long-term asset management.

Scott Whitaker – Director Infrastructure and Natural Assets. 

Keith Parsons – Chief Financial Officer

Joined Council in May 2025, bringing more than a decade of financial leadership in Queensland councils including Moreton Bay, Townsville and Fraser Coast, leading large-scale budgets, infrastructure funding and commercial initiatives, procurement, risk and corporate governance. 

Keith Parsons – Chief Financial Officer. 

Interim leadership arrangements are in place to support a smooth transition ahead of the new Executive starting later in July.

Council will also begin implementing a new departmental structure from late July.