Mark Dixon - Chief Executive Officer

M.Sc, B.Sc

Mark Dixon commenced his role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wodonga Council in April 2019.

Prior to his appointment Mark was the CEO and Managing Director of Wodonga Institute of TAFE for a period of four years. During his tenure at the TAFE, it grew to be the most successful regional TAFE in Australia winning both the Victorian and Australian Large Training Provider of the Year awards in 2018 and the Defence Industry Academic Institution of the Year award in 2019.

Before entering his civilian career, Mark was a military officer for more than 30 years in both the British and Australian armies. His Defence leadership experience spans the fields of counter terrorism, defence intelligence, training, logistics, capability acquisition and procurement. He has seen active service in Iraq and Afghanistan and worked throughout Europe, Asia and the US.

Mark is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and also holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Cranfield University (UK). He has completed the Cranlana Institute’s ethical leadership program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course.

Mark continues his association with the Defence as an Honorary Colonel for the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps and is also a member of the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership, supporting Regional Development Victoria.

Email: mdixon@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Debra Mudra - Deputy CEO, Director City Growth, Engagement and People

PhD, BEd (ECE), BTeach (ECE)

Debra commenced at Wodonga Council in 1996, after a long career in community development and early childhood education. Her experience encompasses social policy development, community planning and ethics.

Debra is responsible for a range of business units that support staff in the work that they do, encourages the community and partners to actively engage with council and strives to champion the opportunities that a strong and vibrant city provides in contributing to positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for our community. The directorate supports and promotes good governance and a positive customer experience.

Debra's portfoilo incudes governance, investment attraction and economic development, communications and marketing, customer focus, people and workplace, occupational health and safety, community centres and strategic partnerships.

Email: dmudra@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Debra

Narelle Klein – Director Finance and Systems

BBus(Acc), Chartered Accountant

Narelle commenced at Wodonga Council in 2015 after a career spanning 20 years in the big four chartered accountancy firms and 10 years in corporate finance for the Australian Government.

In addition, she has held positions as a not-for-profit board member and audit and risk committee chair in a small rural health service and as an external member on the audit committee for local government.

Over her career, she has developed a reputation for establishing continual improvement practices and transparent governance and reporting processes. She also has a keen interest in environmental sustainability.

Narelle’s responsibilities include finance, strategic asset planning, information services, information management, plant and fleet, building maintenance, property management, risk management, procurement and contract management, service planning and service reviews, business innovation and continuous improvement.

Email: nklein@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Narelle

Leon Schultz - Director Planning and Infrastructure

BE (Civil)

Leon immigrated to Australia in September 2007, taking up a role with the Rural City of Wangaratta. He was appointed to the position of Manager Engineering and Parks at Wodonga Council in March 2010 and appointed to Director Planning and Infrastructure in May 2012.

Leon holds a degree in civil engineering and has more than 40 years’ service within state and local government.

Leon’s responsibilities include building services, statutory and strategic planning, infrastructure planning, design and implementation, general municipal engineering, renewal, upgrades and maintenance of council’s parks and gardens, road, footpath and drainage networks, natural resources, waste services, environmental health, compliance and civic services and sustainability.

Email: lschultz@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Simone Hogg - Director Community Development

Simone joined Wodonga Council in 2002 and has worked in a range of roles across the organisation during this time.

She has experience in strategic planning, project management, infrastructure projects, community planning, community services and product development. Prior to working with council, Simone worked in the cultural and tourism industries and in community development roles; and has worked in both the public sector and private enterprise.

Simone is presently responsible for arts, events, tourism, The Cube Wodonga, Wodonga Library, Arts Space Wodonga, Bonegilla Migrant Experience, community planning, youth, community grants, maternal child health, preschools, community development programs, sport and recreation services.

With a passion for creating services that enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of our residents and visitors to the city, Simone looks forward to continuing to work with the community to strengthen the community in all that we do, ensure Wodonga is a dynamic place to live and visit, and see Wodonga optimise its tourism potential.

Email: shogg@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Simone headshot

Executive team