Sutherland Shire Council Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sutherland Shire Council has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, digital infrastructure, and human capital management.

Committed to regional excellence, Sutherland Shire Council delivers essential public services to nearly 215,000 residents while maintaining sustainable urban development across 370 square kilometers of Australian territory.

Leadership Roles at Sutherland Shire Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Claire Phelan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Oliver Guo
  • Chief Information Officer - Leanne Siveyer
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Leisl Guest
  • Claire Phelan - Chief Executive Officer

    Claire Phelan, the Chief Executive Officer at Sutherland Shire Council, directs all administrative operations for the second largest local government body in New South Wales. Phelan manages the implementation of council policies, ensuring alignment with the needs of 215,000 residents across the southern Sydney region. By coordinating with the elected council members, the Chief Executive Officer translates legislative mandates into actionable public service programs. This leadership role requires constant engagement with community stakeholders to foster sustainable growth and infrastructure development. Claire Phelan maintains rigorous oversight of departmental performance, driving efficiency across all municipal sectors. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of local services. Phelan prioritizes transparent governance, ensuring that every council initiative meets the highest standards of public accountability while addressing the complex logistical demands of a large-scale metropolitan administrative area.

    Oliver Guo - Chief Financial Officer

    Oliver Guo, the Chief Financial Officer at Sutherland Shire Council, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of this major Australian local government entity. Guo oversees the allocation of public funds, ensuring that capital investments support critical infrastructure projects across the 370 square kilometer jurisdiction. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability necessary for long-term community development. This role involves rigorous auditing and compliance reporting to ensure adherence to state-level financial regulations. Oliver Guo directs the financial planning process, balancing the immediate needs of the population with the requirement for sustainable fiscal reserves. Through precise economic forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risk and optimizes resource distribution. Guo collaborates with other executive leaders to align departmental budgets with the broader strategic goals of the council, ultimately ensuring that taxpayer contributions translate into tangible improvements for the local community.

    Leanne Siveyer - Chief Information Officer

    Leanne Siveyer, the Chief Information Officer at Sutherland Shire Council, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern municipal services for a population of 215,000. Siveyer manages the integration of advanced software systems and data security protocols to protect sensitive resident information. By modernizing internal communication platforms, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of council staff and improves the accessibility of public services. This role involves overseeing the transition to cloud-based solutions, ensuring that the council remains resilient against cyber threats while maintaining high uptime for digital portals. Leanne Siveyer drives the adoption of smart city technologies, facilitating better data-driven decision-making for urban planning and resource management. Through the implementation of robust IT frameworks, the Chief Information Officer supports the digital transformation of local government operations. Siveyer ensures that all technological investments align with the overarching mission of providing seamless, reliable, and secure services to the entire community.
    Leanne Siveyer

    Leisl Guest - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Leisl Guest, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sutherland Shire Council, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the organization. Guest manages the recruitment, training, and retention of a diverse staff dedicated to serving the needs of the southern Sydney population. By fostering a culture of professional excellence and inclusivity, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the council maintains a high-performing team capable of delivering complex public services. This role involves overseeing labor relations, performance management systems, and employee wellness programs to sustain organizational morale. Leisl Guest implements strategic workforce planning to address the evolving requirements of the local government sector. Through the development of comprehensive training initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer equips staff with the skills necessary to navigate modern administrative challenges. Guest collaborates with executive leadership to align human capital strategies with the council's long-term objectives, ensuring that the workforce remains agile, motivated, and fully prepared to support the community.
    Leisl Guest

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sutherland Shire Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sutherland Shire Council?
    Sutherland Shire Council is led by Claire Phelan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Oliver Guo (Chief Financial Officer) and Leanne Siveyer (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Sutherland Shire Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sutherland Shire Council includes leaders such as Claire Phelan (Chief Executive Officer), Oliver Guo (Chief Financial Officer), Leanne Siveyer (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sutherland Shire Council have?
    Sutherland Shire Council has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sutherland Shire Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sutherland Shire Council includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.