The NSW Reconstruction Authority has appointed experienced emergency management executive Kate Fitzgerald as CEO. 

Ms Fitzgerald, a former CEO of Emergency Management Victoria, will lead disaster recovery and preparedness across NSW, supporting communities in rebuilding and becoming more resilient.

She replaces Mal Lanyon, who left to become the state’s police commissioner. Kate Meagher led the authority as interim CEO while the recruitment process was conducted.

“[Ms Fitzgerald’s] leadership will be invaluable as NSW continues long-term recovery efforts and strengthens preparedness for the increasing frequency and severity of disasters,” Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said.

“I want to thank Mal Lanyon for his leadership in supporting communities to recover from the Northern Rivers floods and other disasters over the last two years.

“Kate is the perfect person to carry this legacy forward.”