Following a very competitive recruitment process, involving rigorous assessments and interviews, Mrs Anne Modderno has been appointed the new general manager of Walcha Council and will commence at the end of October.

The decision was made at the August ordinary meeting of the council and then announced after negotiations had been finalised.

Mrs Modderno is currently the manager Corridor Works at the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

She was chosen out of a 17 strong field of candidates from New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania competing for the role.

Mrs Modderno will move to Walcha with her husband and two children.

Walcha Council said Mrs Modderno demonstrated at interview that she has a significant alignment with the role which was validated by glowing referee checks and an energy which it expects will take Walcha into the next phase of its development.

"It is a real privilege for the council and community to have Anne Modderno as our new general manager," said Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes.

"Anne has a strong civil engineering background and whilst this will be of significant value in our efforts to deliver water security to our community, it is her leadership, which highly impressed the council.

"This gives us confidence she will quickly build a very meaningful partnership with the councillors and staff and become part of our wonderful community. "

Mr Noakes said he was looking forward to working closely with Anne.

"Anne and her husband Luke and two children met with councillors on Sunday, and it was soon evident how passionate they are about the opportunity to move from Newcastle and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle we experience in our shire," he said.

"I know that Anne will bring a high level of energy to the organisation and work across the community to drive performance and bring an excellence in service delivery."

Current Walcha Council general manager Mr Jack O'Hara will retire at the end of the year.

"I'd like to say how fortunate we have been to benefit from Jack O'Hara's leadership and financial management over many years," Mr Noakes said.

"He leaves to his successor a very sound organisation, and we are indebted to Jack for his great contribution to our community."

Mrs Modderno has impressive academic qualifications - a Master of Construction Law from the University of Melbourne in 2018, a Diploma of Project Management from Deakin University in 2009, a Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle in 2007 and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Newcastle in 2007.

Her work history comprises a number of management roles - currently as Manager Corridor Works with the Australian Rail Track Corporation, and past roles as Contracts Manager, Australian Rail Track Corporation, Project Manager, Australian Rail Track Corporation, Project Manager, TCM Civil, Project Manager, Hunter Water Corporation and Undergraduate Engineer, Hunter Water Corporation.

One of the first things Mrs Modderno says she will do is workshop with councillors to determine their priorities for the future.

"So we can all work together in building a better and stronger Walcha," she said.

"I am extremely excited by this opportunity the council has given me to lead the organisation into the future and to continue to build on the great work that I can see has been achieved over many years.

"This is an exciting time for Walcha with the projects ahead and the goodwill I have already experienced in speaking with business owners and residents.

"I have received so much encouragement from the mayor and councillors as part of this process, and I am grateful for their trust and belief in me.

"I am really looking forward to meeting the staff team - they have a sound reputation, and I am driven to help them achieve their professional goals, aspirations and support their growth."