Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) has named an interim boss while it continues to search for a new chief executive.
In response to sitting chief executive Vanessa Schernickau’s recent announcement she would vacate the role after February 27 to pursue a PhD, the GRLC board announced its current director of community experience David Semmens would step into the top job.
GRLC board chair, Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison said Mr Semmens was “an experienced executive leader with more than 18 years’ experience across local government and regional service organisations”.
“Prior to joining Geelong Regional Libraries, he held senior leadership roles at Wyndham City Council, including interim director city life, where he led large, multidisciplinary portfolios spanning libraries, community learning, sport and recreation, arts and culture, and community support services,” Ms Pattison said.
“The board congratulates David on this appointment and recognises his strategic, systems-thinking approach to leading change, and that he brings strong governance, operational and stakeholder leadership experience to the acting CEO role.”
Ms Schernickau has been in the role for more than four and a half years, before which she served as the Barwon South West regional director for the Victorian Department of Transport, chief executive of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, and a number of other public service leadership positions.
Having overseen the organisation while a number of new libraries joined the organisation, Ms Schernickau’s leadership was integral to resisting the Geelong council’s efforts to significantly cut library funding in the region in 2024.
“The Board once again thanks Vanessa for her leadership and service and wishes her every success for the future,” Cr Pattison said.
