Emma Thomas

Emma Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sunshine Coast Council – one of the largest local governments in Queensland serving a population in excess of 340,000 residents and one of Australia’s fastest growing regions. The Sunshine Coast Council is pursuing a transformational agenda to strengthen the region’s economy, improving the region’s liveability, enabling community connectedness and inclusion and maintaining an outstanding natural environment and landscape. Prior to joining Council, Emma held a range of chief executive and senior executive leadership roles with the Australian Capital Territory, South Australian and Queensland governments. She is a values-based leader with a passion for, and commitment to, sustainable regional economic development and fostering social inclusion, community diversity, connectivity and accessibility. These elements are an integral part of her focus and leadership as Sunshine Coast Council CEO. As the CEO, Emma is responsible for an organisation with a budget in excess of $816 million, more than $6 billion in assets, over 1,800 people and overseeing one of the most innovative policy, program and infrastructure delivery agendas that seeks to position Council as a national leader in local government excellence and the Sunshine Coast as the most liveable and sustainable region in Australia.