KING, Evan

Degree

Bachelor of Business (Accounting)

Graduation year

1993

Current position

Chief Executive Officer

Employer

City of Ballarat

As CEO for City of Ballarat, what are your highest priorities or what are you most hoping to achieve?

The City of Ballarat delivers over 100 services, manages $1.8 billion dollars in assets and employs over 1,200 staff. Creating a culture that uses principals of good governance to make decisions is in the best interests of the current and future communities. Using innovation to drive great outcomes for the community and developing a modern, agile, compassionate organisation are key operational goals.

I also want to strategically plan for a sustainable future that embraces growth and is sympathetic to our past, and unite key stakeholders of the City to pursue opportunities that make the City safe, prosperous, sustainable and healthy.

Federation University's campuses are key assets for each region, how might we welcome the community into them more and how might we strengthen local partnerships with industry and community?

The City of Ballarat is a university city and we need to showcase and promote campus assets and the opportunities and benefits they provide the community, not only to current students. My children, for example, all learnt to swim at the University pool and for many years I used the gym and sporting facilities.

I think the University should also continue working with industry to better understand skill shortages now and into the future so you can be agile in course development which addresses these shortages.

What are some of your career highlights?

After graduating from Federation University I gained employment with a Ballarat accounting firm, I then moved onto working with Bendix Mintex, Mars Wrigley, and The Salvation Army before commencing my local government career at Hepburn Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and now the City of Ballarat. My highlight is the incredible opportunities I have had to work in the private sector, social services and local government. These experiences were all gained in and around Ballarat.

Describe the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of your job

Working in local government is the most rewarding job I have had. We deliver over 100 different services and manage significant infrastructure portfolios. No two days are ever the same. In many industries it is sometimes difficult to see how your efforts contribute to the output. What I enjoy about local government is the direct correlation between effort and output. It is incredibly visible.

What are your strongest memories while you were studying at the University?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Federation University. Lecture and tutorial groups were of a size where you got to know all the students and lecturers and built up strong relationships. I immediately got a job after completion and the course content prepared me for my career ahead.

Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?

Don’t worry about getting a job, Federation University graduates are in high demand. Trust the content of your course, it will prepare you well for life after university. Enjoy your university life!