Shire of Capel appoints new Chief Executive Officer

The Shire of Capel has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following an extensive recruitment campaign.

Ms. Samantha Chamberlain signed a contract yesterday, Tuesday 17 March 2026, to undertake the role for an initial five-year term.

Ms. Chamberlain has held the position of Director of Community and Corporate Services for the Shire of Capel for the past five years and has been instrumental in progress made during this time.

The date of signing her new contract was significant, as it marked the exact five-year anniversary of Ms. Chamberlain’s time in her previous role as Director.

Having worked at an Executive level for the Shire for five years provides invaluable foundational understanding of the Shire, its residents, localities and the opportunities and challenges that exist therewithin.

Ms. Chamberlain is the first female CEO ever appointed to the Shire of Capel.
There are currently 29 female CEOs, appointed or acting, across the 137 Local Governments in Western Australia, representing 21.2% of all CEOs.

Ms. Chamberlain will take over from Acting CEO, Mr. Gary Clark, and brings with her extensive experience in the public sector, with a career spanning 25-years across State and Local Government.

During the time in her role as Director, Ms Chamberlain has shown strong leadership and strategic direction and is a welcome appointment for existing Shire employees.

Shire President, Councillor John Fergusson, believes this is a strong step in the right direction for the Shire, “The appointment of Ms. Samantha Chamberlain is extremely positive, and we are pleased to welcome her to this critical role. We are confident in the leadership, strategic direction, strong workplace and community consultation culture that she will bring to Council”.

The Shire’s adopted Workforce Plan 2025-2029 will see the Shire move to a three-directorate structure, with this latest appointment ushering in a new era of executive leadership.