Executive Leadership Team

Nick Tobin

General Manager

Key responsibilities: Governance, Mayor and Councillor support, Property and Leasing

Nick has significant local government experience spanning more than 30 years, as well as expansive experience in the corporate sector, making him a a dynamic and innovative leader. Nick was previously the acting General manager at Hunter's Hill Council, in 2025 and 2021.

Before taking up this most recent appointment, Nick was the Managing Director of his own company Networked Urban Solutions, working with corporate and government entities in areas such as strategic property advice, government liaison, mentoring and business development.

Over his career, his leadership roles covered a breadth of Local Government innovations including efficient service delivery, long term financial planning and modeling, property development, strategic planning, policy making and stakeholder engagement.

During his seven year period as General Manager at Willoughby Council, the City was awarded the A.R. Bluett Award, the highest accolade available to local government. They also received the United Nations World Environment Day - Excellence in Overall Environmental Management award. During his tenure, he led the delivery of one of the largest pieces of public infrastructure delivered and funded by local government, The Concourse - an entertainment and performing arts precinct in the heart of Chatswood. The unique long-term sustainable funding model and project plan developed for the site by Nick and his team has become a leading model across local government. 

Nick has liaised with Local, State and Federal Governments at both a political and administrative level and has a strong relationship with most Regulatory Authorities, building on his networks developed over many years.

Sally Hamilton

Director Infrastructure and Planning

Key responsibilities: Works and Services, Engineering Services, Asset and Design, Traffic Management, Environmental Sustainability, Shared Waste Service, Compliance, Development Applications and Town Planning.

Sally Hamilton is an experienced government executive with a strong track record in strategic and statutory planning, environmental management and public sector leadership. With extensive experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, she has led the delivery of major place-based outcomes across planning, sustainability and infrastructure portfolios.

Prior to joining Council, Sally has held senior leadership roles in environment and planning in both local government and state government. She was responsible for shaping strategic land use outcomes, driving environmental sustainability initiatives, and overseeing large-scale urban precincts. She brings deep expertise in balancing growth, environmental stewardship and community outcomes within highly regulated and complex governance frameworks.

In her current role, Sally leads a broad portfolio across infrastructure and planning services and is responsible for integrating these functions to deliver practical outcomes that enhance liveability, support sustainable growth, and ensure long-term value for the Hunters Hill community.

Chris Sleiman

Director Community and Corporate

Key responsibilities: Financial services and accounting, Procurement, Community Engagement, Communications and Events, Shared Library Service, Bushcare Management, Digital and Customer Information and Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R).

Chris is the Director of Community and Corporate, bringing over 18 years experience across government and the private sector. He is a strategic and results-driven leader with expertise in financial strategy, organisational performance and operational excellence.

Chris previously served as Acting Director Corporate and Chief Financial Officer at Inner West Council, where he played a key role in leading transformative initiatives that strengthened financial sustainability, enhanced governance, and delivered improved service outcomes across the organisation.

Chris's financial leadership, includes senior roles in financial partnering and analysis, commercial finance and business performance. He is recognised for his data-driven approach and his ability to translate complex financial insights into clear, actionable strategies that support informed decision-making and long-term organisational success.

In his current role, Chris leads a diverse portfolio across community services and corporate functions, driving integration, efficiency and innovation to deliver high-quality outcomes for the community. He is committed to fostering a high-performing organisational culture and ensuring that Council services remain sustainable, responsive and aligned with community needs.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Western Sydney University and is a Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ).

Jeff Ellis

Property Project Specialist

Key responsibilities: Special Projects, Strategic Planning

Jeff is a senior property and planning professional with more than 37 years’ experience across local government and the private sector, including 27 years working across four councils. He has expertise in delivering complex projects, spanning residential developments, major community facilities and significant civic infrastructure.

Jeff is well versed in strategic and statutory planning, property management and economic development. He is highly skilled in navigating complex approvals processes and operating within robust governance and probity frameworks, ensuring outcomes that are both compliant and aligned with long-term community objectives.

Known for his collaborative approach, Jeff is highly experienced in stakeholder leadership, intergovernmental negotiation and building productive partnerships across public and private sectors. He has a proven ability to translate policy and strategy into practical, place-based outcomes.

With a focus on delivering tangible results, Jeff combines technical expertise with strong leadership capability, driving projects from concept through to completion while balancing commercial, community and environmental priorities.