Mr McDonald will officially begin as Chief Executive Officer on 10 March, following a period of interim leadership by Tamara Harrison.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said Mr McDonald was selected following a competitive recruitment process and brings extensive experience across local government and the private sector.
“Council is pleased to appoint Mark McDonald as our new Chief Executive Officer,” Mayor Kerley said.
“He joins us from the District Council of Ceduna, where he has served as Manager of Assets and Infrastructure, and brings a strong understanding of regional local government, asset management and service delivery.”
Mayor Kerley acknowledged the leadership provided by Acting Chief Executive Officer Tamara Harrison during the transition period following Ms Wauchope’s resignation last year.
“Tamara has provided stability and continuity for the organisation during an important period, and Council thanks her for her leadership and commitment to Barunga West,” she said.
Mr McDonald brings more than 25 years’ experience in leadership roles across both the private sector and local government. He entered local government in 2011 following a career in the advertising industry, later progressing through a range of operational and senior management roles in regional councils.
Most recently, he has held responsibility for major assets and infrastructure portfolios in Ceduna, overseeing the delivery of significant projects and managing complex operational environments.
Mr McDonald said he was looking forward to joining Barunga West Council and becoming part of the Top of the Yorke community.
“I’m excited to be joining Barunga West Council at an important time for the region and its communities,” Mr McDonald said.
“Having worked in diverse roles across local government, I bring a strong understanding of asset management, operations and project delivery, and I look forward to working with Council, staff and the community to deliver sustainable services into the future.”
He said he was keen to settle in the region and contribute to community life.
“I’m looking forward to starting a life in the Top of the Yorke region, getting involved locally and providing stability for a council that has experienced a period of change,” he said.
“I’m impressed by the capability of the team at Barunga West and their track record in delivering long-term projects. I look forward to meeting everyone and working together for the benefit of the community.”
Mayor Kerley said Council was confident Mr McDonald would build on the strong foundations already in place.
“This appointment provides leadership certainty for our organisation and community, and we look forward to the next chapter for Barunga West Council,” she said.
“Mark McDonald brings new leadership and a practical approach, with a clear focus on working closely with staff, elected members and the wider community.
“Mark’s appointment provides an opportunity to continue strengthening local services, support steady and sustainable growth, and build on the solid foundations already in place.”