Wodonga Council — Executive team

Matthew Hyde - CEO

B Sc (Hons), MBA, AICD

Matt commenced with Wodonga Council in July 2022, coming from the CEO role at Snowy Valleys Council in NSW. He has more than 25 years' experience in local government with time spent in Queensland and NSW.

He holds a Masters in Business Administration, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and served on the board of Local Government Professionals NSW.

Email: mhyde@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Debra Mudra - Deputy CEO

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, communications and marketing, customer focus, cultural services sport and recreation, community planning and wellbeing, early years and strategic partnerships.

Email: dmudra@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Leon Schultz - Director Planning, Development 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, economic development and sustainability.

Email: lschultz@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Dena Vlekkert – Director Corporate Systems

LLB/BCom, CA

Dena commenced with Wodonga Council in May 2023. Prior to joining local government in 2020, Dena’s experience includes 14 years at leading publicly listed companies such as Ampol and Telstra and five years with the big four chartered accounting firm EY.

Dena is a chartered accountant, holding degrees in law and commerce.

Dena’s portfolio includes finance, information technology, governance, human resources, business improvement, risk management, emergency management and corporate reporting.

Email: dvlekkert@wodonga.vic.gov.au