Managing director appointed for a second term

Sarah Cumming stands in front of large piece of machinery.
Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming.

Gippsland Water has reappointed managing director Sarah Cumming for a second five-year term.

Board chair Therese Ryan announced the reappointment to staff this week.

“Sarah was originally chosen following a statewide search for her skills, experience and vision,” Ms Ryan said.

“During the last four and a half years, she has led significant cultural change to make our organisation more customer-focused and commercially sustainable.

“As a passionate born and bred Gippslander, her energy and drive to see our region prosper has also had a positive impact.

"We’ve come a long way, but there’s much more to be done and our Board agrees that Sarah is the best person for the job.”

Ms Cumming’s reappointment comes at a pivotal time for the organisation, as it prepares its next regulatory five-year price submission and long-term urban water strategy.

“Our region is undergoing generational change in terms of its population, economy and climate, providing both challenges and opportunities,” Ms Cumming said.

“As a major local employer and community partner, we have an important role to play in ensuring our region is positioned to grow and prosper.

“Leaving behind a healthy and sustainable region for future Gippsland generations is what drives me and my team.”

Ms Cumming is a well-known Gippsland advocate and respected leader, having previously held executive roles with Latrobe City Council and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission following her early career as a litigation lawyer.

She’s the second ever female managing director appointed to a Victorian water corporation and incoming national president of the Institute of Water Administration.

ENDS