Central Coast Council Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Central Coast Council has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, and human resources.

Committed to sustainable urban development, Central Coast Council maintains the lifestyle of the sixth largest urban area in Australia while planning for long-term regional growth and community prosperity.

Leadership Roles at Central Coast Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Scott McLachlan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Emma Galea
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jamal Ghannam
  • Chief People Officer - Darrylen Law
  • Scott McLachlan - Chief Executive Officer

    Scott McLachlan, the Chief Executive Officer at Central Coast Council, directs the overarching strategic vision for the sixth largest urban area in Australia. Managing complex administrative operations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between council policies and the long-term growth requirements of the region. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board to optimize service delivery and infrastructure maintenance across New South Wales. By fostering inter-departmental collaboration, McLachlan drives organizational efficiency and fiscal responsibility. The Chief Executive Officer monitors regional development trends to ensure the council remains responsive to community needs. Through rigorous oversight of municipal projects, the Chief Executive Officer secures the operational integrity of the organization. Scott McLachlan maintains a focus on sustainable urban planning, ensuring that all council initiatives support the unique lifestyle of the Central Coast while meeting the demands of a rapidly expanding population base.
    Scott McLachlan

    Emma Galea - Chief Financial Officer

    Emma Galea, the Chief Financial Officer at Central Coast Council, manages the fiscal health and budgetary frameworks for the sixth largest urban area in Australia. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital allocation supports essential infrastructure and community services throughout New South Wales. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing, risk management, and the optimization of revenue streams to sustain regional growth. By implementing robust financial controls, Galea maintains the economic stability required for large-scale urban maintenance. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to prioritize funding for projects that enhance the local lifestyle. Emma Galea drives transparency in reporting, ensuring that all fiscal activities align with statutory requirements and council objectives. Through precise economic forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the organization to meet the evolving demands of the region while maintaining a balanced and sustainable financial position.
    Emma Galea

    Jamal Ghannam - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jamal Ghannam, the Chief Marketing Officer at Central Coast Council, architects the communication strategies that define the public identity of the sixth largest urban area in Australia. Overseeing community engagement initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that residents remain informed about council services and regional development projects. This leadership role involves managing digital platforms and public relations campaigns to enhance the reputation of the organization across New South Wales. By analyzing demographic data, Ghannam optimizes outreach efforts to ensure inclusive participation in local government processes. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align promotional activities with the broader mission of maintaining the regional lifestyle. Jamal Ghannam drives brand consistency across all council communications, ensuring that the public message reflects the core values of the organization. Through strategic media management, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the connection between the council and the diverse communities within the region.

    Darrylen Law - Chief People Officer

    Darrylen Law, the Chief People Officer at Central Coast Council, architects the human capital strategy for the workforce supporting the sixth largest urban area in Australia. Overseeing talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee relations, the Chief People Officer ensures that the council maintains a high-performing team capable of delivering essential services across New South Wales. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity to support the long-term mission of the organization. By implementing modern workforce management practices, Law drives employee engagement and professional growth. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to align staffing levels with the strategic needs of the region. Darrylen Law monitors workplace safety and performance metrics to ensure operational efficiency. Through the development of comprehensive training programs, the Chief People Officer empowers the workforce to address the complex challenges of urban planning and community maintenance, ultimately securing the human resources necessary for regional success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Central Coast Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Central Coast Council?
    Central Coast Council is led by Scott McLachlan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Emma Galea (Chief Financial Officer) and Jamal Ghannam (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Central Coast Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Central Coast Council includes leaders such as Scott McLachlan (Chief Executive Officer), Emma Galea (Chief Financial Officer), Jamal Ghannam (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Central Coast Council have?
    Central Coast Council has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Central Coast Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Central Coast Council includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief People Officer.