THE Shire of Northam council resolved at a special council meeting to appoint Tim Clynch as the shire’s temporary chief executive officer.

Mr Clynch brings with him 38 years of local government experience, 23 of which he has spent as chief executive.

He has previously worked in various local governments, spending 20 years with the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and has experience in previous acting director and chief executive roles.

Mr Clynch will begin his new role at the Shire of Northam in December to ensure continuity of service following the departure of current Shire of Northam chief executive officer Debbie Terelinck.

Ms Terelinck has been with the shire since October 2023 and led the organisation through a significant period of change, according to the shire.

As reported in Northam begins search for new chief executive (Echo News, August 14) Ms Terelinck resigned citing family commitments and a desire to pursue other interests.

“It has been a privilege to be the Shire of Northam’s chief executive officer for the past three years, and after spending nearly 45 years working in the local government sector it is time for me to pursue other interests,” she said at the time.

Mr Clynch will be the acting chief executive for the period of transition until a new chief executive is appointed and begins their work in the role in 2027.

Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio said he and the council were thrilled to welcome Mr Clynch to the shire.

“With the departure of Ms Terelinck, we acknowledge that we have some very big shoes to fill and so it is imperative that this process is undertaken with a view to ensuring we get the right person for the role,” he said.

“Tim’s time with the Shire of Northam will ensure that this is possible, and we are very pleased to be working with such experience during this transitional period.”

Ms Terelinck is set to leave the organisation on December 11.

Mr Clynch has agreed to stay on board with the shire until early 2027.