Management Team and Council Structure This page shows the management structure of the Whangarei District Council, along with a structure chart. Page content Council Structure Chart The Whangarei District Council has a management team comprised of five personnel, headed by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Simpson. You can contact the council in a variety of ways as listed on our "Contacts" page, or feel free to send an email. Mark Simpson Chief Executive Officer Mark has been Whangarei District Council chief executive officer since September 1998. He has a Batchelor of Engineering (Civil) from the University of Auckland, and holds the New Zealand Certificate of Engineering. He has extensive engineering experience in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Mark has specialised in the development of appropriate service standards for wastewater and stormwater reticulation and treatment systems, and for solid waste collection and disposal. He has been project manager for major infrastructural projects in both Australia and the United Kingdom and is currently overseeing construction of the new multi-events stadium in Whangarei. Jude Thompson Chief Operating Officer Jude Thompson manages the CEO's Office and is Councils Chief Operating Officer, a role focused on operational efficiencies and facilitating economic development in the District. Her team includes Human Resources, Communications, Business Excellence and Councils LTCCP (Long Term Council Community Plan). Jude has held leadership positions in business for more than 25 years. As Northern Region Manager - Business - with Telecom New Zealand she managed a team responsible for business sales from Auckland Harbour Bridge to Cape Reinga. As Chief Executive of the Northland Chamber of Commerce Jude worked with a wide range of Northland businesses and service providers, focusing on exporting, advocacy, and business development. As Whangarei Districts Economic Development Officer Jude worked closely with those looking to invest/establish or grow their businesses in the District. Undertakings included Sector Development, especially projects within the marine and marine engineering fields, tourism, forestry/wood processing and also bringing the International Rally to Whangarei. Judes qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Economic Development from AUT, a New Zealand Certificate in Science (Medical Science) and Qualified Technical Assistant (Biochemistry). Simon Weston Group Manager Infrastructure and Services Simon Weston is Group Manager Infrastructure and Services, managing Councils main areas of expenditure including Waste, Drainage, Water, Roading, Parks, Library, Major Projects and also Civil Defence. Simon has spent 24 years in the construction field and has been with Council for 12 years, advancing from Water Services Manager and Works and Services Manager. Prior to joining Council Simon held a range of roles with Vale Construction in the United Kingdom ranging from Junior Engineer to Site Agent for a number of civil engineering projects. He was Projects Estimator and Project Manager for the Civil Engineering side of ATEC/Capital Controls/Tetra Systems in the United Kingdom and was later Senior Engineer at Auckland City Council. His qualifications include a Diploma in Civil Engineering, Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering and Management and Master of Science Construction and Management. He is a Member of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand, International Professional engineers, Chartered Professional Engineer. Paul Dell Group Manager Environment Paul Dell is Council's Group Manager Environment, managing 95 staff who process resource consents, building consents, provide land Information, liaise with Iwi, develop and implement environmental policy and monitor the environment. During the past 30 years he has held roles with the Hauraki Catchment Board, Environment Waikato and Environment BOP (Bay of Plenty). His major projects have included Evaluating the impact of Forestry on Water Resources, developing the Waikato Region Geothermal Policy, the Tarawera River Management Plan, Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Action Programme (which attracted $72m of Government funding) and Chairing the Regional Councils' 2nd tier Resource Managers Group. He has been with WDC since October 2007 and his qualifications include a Masters in Earth Sciences from the University of Waikato. Paul has published a number of research papers and was Awarded the University of Waikato's Gold Medal in 2006, in recognition of 25 years of contribution to Environmental Management in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty. Alan Adcock Group Manager Support Services Alan Adcock is Council's Group Manager Support Services, managing 112 staff charged with providing customer, rates, democracy, finance, community development, information technology and property services. He has worked in the area of general management for more than 20 years. Prior to taking up his role with WDC, Alan was Head of Corporate Management with the Bank of New Zealand, a role which included managing the Chief Executive's Office, Board liaison, Public Relations and Internal Communication. Formerly he was the Assistant Vice-President, IT Finance with Credit Suisse First Boston (UK) and Chief Manager, Auckland with AXA. Alan joined WDC in January 2006 as the Community Enterprises Manager. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland (1983) and an MBA (with Distinction) from the City University of London Business School (1999). Council Structure Chart