DCC appoints new General Manager
Dunedin (Wednesday, 24 December 2014) Ruth Stokes has been appointed to the position of Infrastructure and Networks
General Manager. She brings with her experience in senior policy development, planning and project management and has
worked in both the public and private sectors.
DCC Chief Executive Dr Sue Bidrose says she’s very pleased to announce Mrs Stokes appointment.
“Ruth is a successful general manager with a financial background, strong public service values and a reputation for
delivering. Her mix of skills will be an asset to the DCC.”
Mrs Stokes will take on the responsibilities of departing General Manager Tony Avery.
Mrs Stokes is the General Manager Operations for the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). She has been in that role
for the past 16 months and Chief Executive Lakes Leisure (a council controlled organisation) prior to that. Before
moving to Queenstown she worked at Auckland Council, Westpac and KPMG in various roles. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce
from the University of Auckland and a Post Graduate Certificate in public management from Victoria University of
Wellington.
Mrs Stokes has a background in infrastructure planning, development, recreation, parks, and aquatics.
“The way these assets and facilities are managed often make a major difference to the perception of a city. I think the
job is a terrific opportunity to work as part of Council’s leadership team to help Dunedin become the great small city
it strives to be. “
She has enjoyed her time in Queenstown, and will stay in touch with her friends and colleagues.
“But I am really looking forward to moving to Dunedin and experiencing the advantages the city has to offer. I am keen
to meet the DCC leadership team, the Councillors, the stakeholders and the staff. I think it is great going into a Long
Term Plan year, as it gives me the opportunity to hear about what the community wants to achieve over the next 10
years.”
Getting to know people and forming a detailed understanding of the role will be her first focus. Mrs Stokes will start
at the DCC in February.
ENDS