Executive Management Team
An able administration is needed to manage Yass Valley Council, an organisation employing over 150 staff and with an annual budget of $30 million. The focus of the management team is to ensure the continued delivery of excellent services and optimum infrastructure to residents and also visitors who come to Yass Valley for a taste of the region's best.
Yass Valley Council is managed by the General Manager and three Directors.
General Manager
Chris Berry
Chris Berry has a strong passion for local government. He has served as Yass Valley Council's Director of Planning since 2014, making the move from Goulburn Mulwaree Council where he performed the roles of General Manager, Director of Planning and Community Services and Director of Corporate and Planning. He has also worked in local government in Melbourne and Armidale.
Chris has completed 13 years of tertiary study at three universities. He holds degrees in Town Planning, Environmental Science and Business Administration and is a Registered Planner and Fellow of the Australian Planning Institute.
During his time at Yass Valley Council, Chris has risen to the challenge associated with growth in the local government area and the pressures associated with our close proximity to Canberra. Some of his biggest achievements have been the completion of the Settlement Strategy for the future growth of Yass Valley and finalising the Rural Lands Planning Proposal. Far from finished, Chris lists the overhaul of development contributions, implementing rezonings from the Settlement Strategy and Master Planning for Murrumbateman squarely on his agenda.
An avid road cyclist, Chris enjoys riding for both sport and recreation. He also loves travel and tries to combine the two passions as much as possible.
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
Director Planning & Environment
Julie Rogers 
Julie Rogers joined Yass Valley Council on July 6 2020, brining 25 years of planning experience to the table. Since graduating from the University of New England with a Bachelor or Urban and Regional Planning, Julie has held positions predominately in regional and rural councils throughout NSW.
Prior to joining Yass Valley Council, Julie served as the Manger of Planning and Environmental Services at Edward River Council in Deniliquin for eight years. During this time, she oversaw several high profile strategic planning projects, including the Deniliquin Public Space Strategy, Edward River Open Space Strategy, Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan and the Deniliquin Masterplan. These projects were used to successfully secure over $7 million in funding from the NSW and Australian Governments to deliver significant infrastructure projects across the local government area.
Julie has a strong understanding of the Local Government sector and has developed sound technical knowledge across strategic land use planning, development assessment, environmental services and compliance.
Julie was attracted to the Yass Valley’s enviable location and excited to provide leadership in a council that is undergoing significant urban growth and expansion. With a strong focus on ensuring Yass Valley realises the opportunities that come with its close proximity to Canberra, Julie is looking forward to implementing the Local Strategic Planning Statement and the Settlement Strategy. She is also keen to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services in the Yass Valley and to build upon community relationships to assist Council in the delivery of these services.
In her spare time, Julie loves gardening, listening to music and spending time with her family.
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
Interim Director Infrastructure & Assets
Steven Beasley
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
Director Corporate & Community
Mark Eady 
Mark Eady has 20 years’ experience in NSW state government working in governance, human resources, and managing finance and corporate services functions. Before working in senior management roles at City of Sydney Council and Derwent Valley Council in Tasmania, Mark worked at the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC), where he reviewed the causes of public sector corruption and inefficiency and drafted recommendations to improve the operation of the NSW public sector.
Mark holds a commerce degree specialising in accountancy and management, is well versed in the practical application of public sector governance principles and has vast experience in strategic planning. He is also experienced in employment law and its application in the NSW public sector.
Mark believes that Yass Valley’s location and natural resources provide a foundation for economic prosperity, with our diverse range of competitive products and services with good access to regional, national and global markets. Mark also believes Yass Valley is home to great people with the experience, outlook and capability to create a prosperous future for our next generation.
Developing the internal capability of Council to deliver its strategies and services to its community will be one of Mark’s main focuses over the coming years working at Council.
In his spare time, Mark enjoys alpine skiing, cycling, viticulture and music.
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
