New General Manager Jeff Smith with Mayor Philip Penfold

Maitland City Council appoints new General Manager

Maitland City Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeff Smith CPA GAICD to the position of General Manager, following a unanimous resolution of Council at an extraordinary meeting held on Monday evening.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said Mr Smith boasted an impressive 29 year career in the private and public sector.

Following other senior local government roles including at Port Stephens Council and Randwick City Council, Jeff is the current Director Corporate and Legal of Northern Beaches Council, where he has been since 2019.

Jeff is very down to earth, genuine and people focused and will be a great fit for our community and Council.

— Mayor Philip Penfold

'We conducted an extensive and thorough recruitment process to find the right person to lead the management of our great Council operation into the future,’ Mayor Penfold said. 

'Jeff ticks all the boxes. He has great breadth of experience, a real focus on customer service and is an exceptional financial manager.

‘He is highly regarded and well respected within the industry and further afield, and we are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre join us.

‘Importantly, Jeff is very down to earth, genuine and people focused and will be a great fit for our community and Council.

'I am confident Jeff will help lead our organisation to the next level as we continue to deliver quality services and infrastructure for the people of Maitland.’

A father of three, and newly minted grandfather, Jeff was born and bred in the Lower Hunter where he still lives with his wife and family. Council received nearly 100 applications from across the country for this highly sought after role.

Mr Smith will join Maitland City Council as General Manager, under a five year contract, from 3 July 2023.