With over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors, Ms McCaughey brings a unique blend of technical expertise and community focus to the role. Originally trained as an urban planner, her career highlights include:

• Infrastructure Delivery: Leading the $180m Mernda regional sports and aquatic centre and the redevelopment of Glenferrie Oval.
• Social Inclusion: Establishing the inaugural LGBTQIA+ Community Roundtable in Boroondara and the Aboriginal Gathering Place in Whittlesea.
• Policy Reform: Advocating for maternal child health, early years, and aged care services.

Ms McCaughey currently serves as the Director of Community Services at the City of Boroondara and has previously held executive roles at the City of Whittlesea and Moonee Valley City Council.

Merri-bek Mayor, Cr Natalie Abboud, expressed her confidence in the appointment, noting that McCaughey was selected from an “extremely impressive” field of candidates.

“We are delighted Kate will be leading our organisation as we deliver our 2025-2029 Council Plan to create a resilient, inclusive, and engaged community in Merri-bek,” said Cr Abboud.

Ms McCaughey holds a diverse educational background, including a Master of Public Administration from Melbourne University and a degree in Visual Arts from the VCA. She becomes the sixth CEO since Merri-bek (formerly Moreland) was established in 1994.

Ms. McCaughey stated she is eager to begin her tenure: “I’m looking forward to joining Merri-bek, getting to know staff, councillors and community, and contributing to the great work already underway.”