Executive Committee

Gillian Sparkes AM

Independent Chair

  • Dr Gillian Sparkes commenced as the independent chair of SECCCA in February 2026.

    Dr Sparkes has had a distinguished career working with industry, community and government to care for and protect our environment, including as Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability for a decade, until June 2024. Dr Sparkes is the inaugural Chair of the Western Port Integrated Water Management Forum in Victoria, supporting the work of DEECA and Forum partners to deliver better outcomes for communities and the environment, through the collaborative planning and management of water across the catchment.

    Dr Sparkes is a skilled non-executive director and strategic advisor with unique environmental expertise and cross-sectoral experience. She is the Chair of the Western Port Integrated Water Management Forum and other roles including Chair of FrontierSI (formerly the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information), Deputy Chair Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, member Monash University Council and board member Parks Victoria and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

    Dr Sparkes is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Victorian and National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration and was recognised as one of Victoria’s Top 50 Public Sector Women in 2020. Dr Sparkes was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2021 for significant services to environmental sustainability, and to public administration.

    Dr Sparkes is a longtime resident of South East Melbourne with strong connections with councils and communities across the region.

Glenn Patterson

CEO, City of Casey

  • Glenn Patterson completed over 30 years of senior leadership experience before becoming the City of Casey CEO in September 2018.

    His achievements in local government are extensive, having previously been CEO of Yarra Ranges Council for 10 years, as well as CEO of both Baw Baw and Colac Otway Councils.

    Glenn has earned a Bachelor of Business (RMIT), a Master of Business (RMIT), is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and is an Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership Level 2 accredited organisation coach.

    Additionally, Glenn has served as CEO of a Melbourne-based property development group and owned and operated his own property-related business on the Mornington Peninsula.

    Glenn is also a Board Member of Procurement Australia and CT Management Services.

Greg Box

CEO, Bass Coast Shire Council

  • Greg Box is the Chief Executive Officer of Bass Coast Shire Council. Greg has provided leadership to multiple peri-urban and regional Councils.  In his current role, Greg was active in establishing the Nature Recovery Foundation (NRF) and he currently serves as Chair of the NRF, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. With over two decades of extensive experience in local government, he is a highly respected leader known for his forward-thinking vision and passionate advocacy for the sector.

    Greg is also a Board member of Destination Gippsland and Destination Phillip Island. He has led international award-winning engagement programs and presented extensively both in Australia and overseas. 

Peter Bean

CEO, City of Kingston

  • Peter Bean commenced as Kingston CEO in November 2021 and has brought a wealth of leadership experience to the role and over 30 years of experience in the public sector.

    Peter is an accomplished senior executive with a proven track record of providing innovative leadership that fosters strong stakeholder relationships and a team approach to outcomes and service delivery.

    With an MBA, a Bachelor of Business (Local Government), and a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management, Peter has built on his experience with life-long learning and improvement.

    Peter’s public sector experience covers major capital projects, finance, human resources, economic development, information technology, advocacy, events and significant commercial ventures.

    During his time as CEO of one of Melbourne’s leading local councils Peter has:

    • Delivered multiple award-winning projects

    • Overseen a successful annual $90m capital works program

    • Secured key partnerships with strategic partners including the AFL

    • Restructured the organisation for innovation and excellence

    • Driven a culture program to boost staff engagement and opportunity

    • Been a strong advocate for improved community outcomes at a local and regional level.

    Peter also brings a wealth of experience from an extensive local government career including GM at the City of Melton along with roles at Moreland, Nillumbik Shire, Indigo Shire, Albury City and the former City of Mordialloc.

Matthew Cripps

CEO, Bayside City Council

  • Matthew Cripps is a senior local government executive with more than 25 years of experience working across metropolitan and regional Victoria, with a strong professional focus on sustainability, land use planning and environmentally responsible growth. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Bayside City Council since 2025, following senior leadership roles in planning, infrastructure, environment, and economic development.

    Matthew previously held the role of Director of City Planning and Amenity at Bayside City Council, and prior to that was Director of Planning and Economic Development at Baw Baw Shire Council. Across these roles, he has led integrated planning and development functions with a strong emphasis on balancing environmental protection and community outcomes. His experience spans strategic and statutory planning, sustainability and environmental management, and place‑based economic development within complex regulatory and governance environments.

    Matthew holds a Master of Social Science (Environment and Planning), a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts (Urban Studies), and is a Registered Planner. He brings a collaborative, evidence‑based approach to leadership and is committed to supporting regional partnerships that strengthen local government responses to climate, and sustainability.

Mark Stoermer

CEO, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

  • Mark brings extensive leadership experience in local government, corporate services, and financial management. He was previously the Director of Corporate Services at Brimbank City Council and prior to that held the same role at Wyndham City Council.

    He has also served as CEO of Douglas Shire and Nillumbik Shire Councils. As Director of Corporate Business at the City of Melbourne, he led major financial and governance reforms, delivering sustainable budgets and operational efficiencies for one of Australia’s largest municipalities.

    Beyond local government, Mark has significant corporate leadership experience, having held senior roles in the financial services and business sectors. His previous positions include CEO of Fordham Business Advisors and leadership roles at Moore Stephens Australia, MYOB, Merrill Lynch, and J.P. Morgan. His ability to bridge corporate acumen with public sector leadership ensures a strategic, innovative, and financially responsible approach to council operations.

James Collins

CEO, Cardinia Shire Council

  • James Collins brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in local government to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Cardinia Shire Council. He has held senior roles across neighbouring councils, most recently as Director of City Planning and Infrastructure at the City of Casey, and previously at Yarra Ranges, Monash and Banyule City Councils.  He has also served on the Board of Yarra Ranges Tourism.

    A respected and practical leader, James has a strong track record in infrastructure delivery, land use planning and community development. His collaborative approach has seen him contribute to state and national planning reforms and lead major advocacy initiatives, including the Thompsons Road extension and the South East Melbourne Airport project.

Chris Carroll

CEO, City of Port Phillip

  • Chris Carroll was appointed as CEO in December 2022 after joining the City of Port Phillip in 2014. Before becoming CEO, he served as General Manager Customer, Operations and Infrastructure, leading major transformation projects and service improvements.

    Chris brings extensive leadership experience across local and state government and the private sector, including senior roles at Auckland Council and PwC New Zealand. He holds a Master of Public Policy and Management, an MBA, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a graduate of the Stanford LEAD program.