Geelong exec lands historic role

Geelong executive director Tennille Bradley will become Frankston's first female CEO next year. (Supplied)

A Geelong council leadership team member will become Frankston City’s new chief executive.

Frankston City Council has announced City of Greater Geelong executive director of placemaking Tennille Bradley to take on the municipality’s top job in January next year.

The appointment is a historic one for Frankston City, with Ms Bradley the first woman to step into the council’s chief role.

Ms Bradley, who previously held managerial positions at Darebin City, Melton City and property development company MAB, has been with Geelong council since 2022.

Her first role at the City was as manager of economy, place and events, then as acting executive director of customer, community and economy. She began her current role at the beginning of 2024.

Ms Bradley reflected positively on her time at the City.

“Greater Geelong has so much potential, and, during my time, we’ve worked to unleash that and set the City up for the future,” she said.

“The placemaking directorate for which I have been responsible is all about utilising our current capabilities, and planning for a better tomorrow, and I’ll be watching on from across the bay at Frankston as the City continues on this journey that we’ve started.

“I want to thank everyone at the City who I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, and wish them well for the future.”

City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie wished Ms Bradley all the best for the future.

“Tennille has been a formidable leader, making a significant mark on our organisation’s improved culture and taking great strides towards our aspiration of being the best local government to work for,” she said.

“As a result of her efforts, council’s financial sustainability has been greatly improved, and while doing this, Tennille has established and maintained great relationships throughout the organisation and council.

“Our loss is Frankston City Council’s gain, but I think Tennille’s story also highlights how much people can grow and develop personally at the City while they also deliver for our community.”

Mayor Kris Bolam said the appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the city.

“We are thrilled to welcome Frankston City Council’s first female CEO,” he said.

“With three of our five executive leaders already women, this appointment continues our commitment to diversity and equity across the city council.”