This month we spoke with Amy Pokoney Cramey, Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate, City of Mitcham, about her involvement on our Unlocking Collective Potential panel discussion, her career journey in local government so far, and what she loves most about the sector.

What is your role and how long have you been in local government?

My role is Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate at the City of Mitcham. I have been in local government since 2012, starting as Volunteer Coordinator at City of Charles Sturt and most recently as General Manager, Community Development at City of Salisbury. I also spent 8 years at the City of Adelaide in various roles in the City Community portfolio.

You recently joined us as a panellist at the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference for our Unlocking Collective Potential discussion. Tell us more about how you have unlocked collective potential in your work.

I think any leadership role is fundamentally about unlocking collective potential; it just so happens that my background in community development and the not-for-profit sector (prior to joining local government) really lends itself to this type of participatory approach. Working alongside some of the best senior staff and technical experts, we were able to deliver incredible outcomes for the community. Particularly at the City of Salisbury the delivery of the Salisbury Aquatic Centre and the Social Worker in Libraries trial both stand out as collective ‘wins’, which wouldn’t have been possible without the strengths and skills of all involved.

You have experienced working within four different councils in South Australia across your career. What has been your key piece of learning taken from working across a variety of councils, all with similar yet unique needs?

I have learned so much at each of the councils I have worked at and whilst the communities have been very different and the Elected Members have had differing priorities, the commonality so far seems to be that trust has the ability to make or break you. People need to trust that you will do what you say you will.

Having been in local government since 2012, what is it that you love the most about the sector?

Broadly speaking, it's the opportunities that stand out. Whether advancing my career through various leadership roles, transitioning into entirely different positions to learn new areas, or working in councils with diverse priorities, the opportunities I've been given have been incredibly varied. These experiences have kept me both interested and engaged.

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

I enjoy doing CrossFit and reading books in my spare time (which I don’t have a lot of with two young boys). I’m either go, go, go or complete sloth mode – nothing in between!