LOCAL REPRESENTATION, DRIVING EXCELLENCE.
LG Pro Board
Kristen Desmond
West Tamar Council
President
Kristen Desmond - CEO West Tamar Council
Kristen Desmond is the Chief Executive Officer of West Tamar Council, where she has been employed since August 2023. Kristen is also currently President of Local Government Professionals Tasmania.
Prior to commencing at West Tamar Council, Kristen was the Director of Organisational Performance, Strategy & Engagement at George Town Council. Prior to moving into the Local Government Sector at George Town in 2021 Kristen garnered significant experience in the Federal Public Service and in working with the State Government in various advisory groups. She is also an experienced Board Director having been Chair and Director of Children and Young People with Disability as well as holding positions on various Tasmanian Government advisory and policy groups.
Kristen is passionate about the importance of Local Government and the need to ensure that the sector attracts and retains the right people with the right skills.
SAMANTHA SEARLE
Central Coast Council
Deputy President & Central Coast Branch President
Samantha Searle, Director Corporate Services, Central Coast Council
Samantha Searle is an accomplished local government executive with more than 15 years’ leadership experience. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she brings strong capability in strategic financial management, complemented by expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, risk management, asset management, human resources, and business improvement.
Samantha is passionate about strengthening organisational performance through clear strategic frameworks and evidence-based decision-making. Known for her commitment to continuous improvement, she excels at translating strategic priorities into practical outcomes and fostering collaboration across teams.
With a proven ability to navigate complex organisational challenges and enhance service delivery models, Samantha focuses on building capability, developing constructive workplace cultures, and empowering teams to deliver high-quality outcomes for their communities.
As a member of the LG Professionals Board , and with experience supporting professionals across the sector, Samantha brings valuable insight to LG Pro. Her background enables her to contribute meaningfully to member development, sector capacity building, and the creation of practical tools, resources, and initiatives that support local government professionals to thrive in their roles and deliver stronger outcomes for their communities.
JONATHAN HARMEY
Meander Valley Council
Northern Branch President
Jonathan Harmey – General Manager, Meander Valley Council
I am the General Manager at the Meander Valley Council. When I am not in the office you will most likely find me out and about with my partner and three children.
I have worked at Meander Valley since 2009, coming to Local Government after a career as a Chartered Accountant in Launceston.
My role provides me with the opportunity to work across a variety of different Council activities which I enjoy.
I have been a member of LG Professionals Tas since 2009, regularly attending the northern branch meetings, assisting with conferences and have previously received the Raymond West Scholarship to attend the national congress.
I have studied at the University of Tasmania, Institute of Chartered Accountants and Charles Sturt University where I completed a Masters in Business Administration.
I have worked regionally on finance and asset management projects.
JEFFREY GRIFFITH
Devonport City Council
Director
Jeffrey Griffith - Director, Devonport City Council
Jeffrey is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across local government and large-scale enterprise environments. As Deputy CEO of Devonport City Council since 2018, Jeff has led transformational change across the organisation, resulting in substantial operational improvements that have significantly enhanced service delivery, risk management, and community engagement. His role has spanned leadership of finance, infrastructure, works, development services, community services and convention and arts.
KYLIE LUNSON
Devonport City Council
Director
Kylie Lunson - Executive Manager, Devonport City Council
Kylie Lunson holds the position of Executive Manager at Devonport City Council, where she oversees regulatory functions, Human Resources, Customer Service, and Parking.
In her 19-year career in local government, Kylie started as a Works Coordinator at Burnie City Council before joining Devonport City Council. Over the past 15 years there, she has taken on various roles, progressing from Works Manager to Infrastructure & Works Manager, and finally to Development Services Manager. Her skills encompass strategic planning, project execution, governance, and fostering collaboration among teams.
One of Kylie’s most fulfilling experiences in Local Government was mentoring the Devonport City Council Management Challenge Team in 2022. Seeing their growth and ultimately securing second place nationally highlighted the effectiveness of mentorship and teamwork.
Being a member of LG Professionals for over 15 years, Kylie has found valuable opportunities for professional growth and connection with colleagues. The network has played a significant role in her career advancement through the knowledge, guidance, and friendships she has developed.
Outside of work, Kylie is married to Scott and is a mother to two teenage children, Jonty and Chloe. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, cooking, and knitting, all while passionately supporting the Western Bulldogs.
CHERYL HYDE
George Town Council
Director
JACCI SMITH
Flinders Council
Director
DION LESTER
LGAT
Observer
Dion Lester
Dion has over 25 years’ experience across advocacy, policy development, project management, and stakeholder engagement and consultation, with a broad range of expertise across various public policy and planning disciplines.
Since joining LGAT in 2015, he has overseen all the policy and project functions of the organisation, representing local government on numerous technical reference groups and intergovernmental committees. In recent years he has been a leading advocate in Tasmania for better waste management and resource recovery and greater strategic planning to support the state’s planning system.
Prior to joining LGAT in 2015, he spent the previous 10 years focused on strategic land use planning and project approvals.
Dion undertook a Churchill Fellowship in 2010 on Food Systems Planning and Urban Agriculture and participated in the Tasmanian Leader Program in 2009.
“As a member of Local Government Professionals Tasmania for around 20 years I have always valued the networking, connections and friendships that come from being involved.”