Wodonga Council — Executive team

Matthew Hyde - CEO

B Sc (Hons), MBA, AICD

Matthew Hyde is the Chief Executive Officer of Wodonga Council, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in local government across regional and metropolitan communities in three states.

Matthew holds a Masters in Business Administration, is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and holds a Honours Degree in Science.

Since joining Wodonga in 2023, Matthew has led the organisation with a strong focus on financial sustainability, strategic growth and community engagement.

He is committed to delivering transparent, efficient and inclusive services, while driving key priorities such as regional development, housing supply and economic growth.

Matthew is passionate about building collaborative partnerships that strengthen Wodonga’s role as a thriving regional city on the border.

Email: [email protected]

Leon Schultz - Director Infrastructure and Growth

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 portfolio includes building services, statutory and strategic planning, infrastructure planning and implementation, municipal engineering, asset renewal, upgrades and maintenance, natural resources, waste management, council’s compliance function, animal and parking management, school crossings, sustainability, property management and land sales, tourism and cultural services.

Email: [email protected]

Dena Vlekkert – Director Corporate and Community

LLB/BCom, CA, AICD

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 services, governance, human resources, business improvement, risk management, emergency management, corporate reporting, communications and marketing, customer experience, child and family health including kindergartens, maternal child health and immunisations, environmental health, community development and wellbeing, gallery and library services, sports and recreation and volunteers.

Email: [email protected]