LGMA Board
LGMA is governed by a Board which is elected by the membership.
Representation on the Board is outlined in the Rules of Association and includes one representative from each of the four branches (SQ, SEQ, CQ and NQ), three directors elected at large and a President (also elected at large). Directors are elected for a three year term (with the exception of casual vacancies). The President is elected for a two year term with only two consecutive terms to be served.
Calls for nominations to vacancies on the board are generally called in early July and close in early August. A ballot is then held to elect successful candidates to each vacant position.
LGMA Board Members
| Daniel Fletcher MLGMA President
General Manager Community and Liveability | Daniel Fletcher is a seasoned executive leader, father of three, husband to one, and an avid globetrotter who has explored 41 countries. A self-proclaimed chicken wing connoisseur and burger enthusiast, Daniel is also a mediocre AFL player, amateur handyman, and has an unhealthy obsession with U.S. politics. His hidden superpower? Making whiskey disappear with surprising efficiency. Professionally, Daniel has held executive roles across local government in Australia, helping shape sustainable, high-performing regional communities. He’s worked with regions rich in history and potential, leading in sectors like agribusiness, energy, and manufacturing. His approach supports the coexistence of traditional industries—like farming, mining, and coal seam gas—with renewables such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and battery storage. Known for his candid, insightful leadership, Daniel doesn’t shy away from tough questions. Whether it’s truth bombs or thoughtful commentary, he engages audiences with clarity, courage, and a strong sense of purpose. |
| Chatur Zala MLGMA Director (SEQ) Chief Executive Officer | Zala has dedicated the past fifteen years to serving the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, including the last Six as Chief Executive Officer. He brings a broad, sector-wide perspective to his current role as Director – South East Queensland, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small councils and Indigenous community members. His experience includes a Master of Accounting, being named the 2018 LGFP Finance Person of the Year, and receiving recognition in 2021 as the LGMA Manager of the Year. Zala is deeply invested in First Nations communities and councils, striving to make a real, lasting difference by improving the livability and sustainability of these communities. |
| Marnie Taylor MLGMA Director (CQ)
General Manager Organisational Services Rockhampton Regional Council | Marnie has worked in Queensland Local Government for over 30 years, beginning as a trainee after completing a Bachelor of Commerce at James Cook University. In 2013, she stepped into her first executive role as Director Utilities & Facilities at Charters Towers Regional Council, later transitioning to to Director Corporate & Community Services, reconnecting with her financial background while continuing to lead diverse teams. In 2020, Marnie and her family relocated to Rockhampton, where she joined Rockhampton Regional Council as Chief Financial Officer. Following a recent restructure, she is now the General Manager Organisational Services. Having worked across both rural and regional councils, Marnie has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities they face. She is passionate about the role local government plays in delivering meaningful services to our communities and the tangible impact it can make. |
 | Aletta Nugent MLGMA Director (NQ) Director Planning, Growth & Sustainability | Aletta has been actively involved in local government since 2006 and has served at many councils across Queensland. Her work has spanned councils of different sizes, giving her a broad and deep understanding of the different operational areas, which has provided her with a firm understanding of the issues broadly affecting local government professionals and leaders. |
| Justin Hancock MLGMA Treasurer Chief Executive Officer |
Justin began his local government journey over 16 years ago as a Finance trainee at Mount Isa City Council. Following his studies at JCU in Business, Accounting and Business Law, Justin then advanced to Finance Officer at Mount Isa. His career trajectory continued upward with positions at Mornington Shire Council and Carpentaria Shire Council, ultimately leading to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Quilpie Shire Council in 2021. This role allowed him to accomplish several firsts: Youngest Chief Executive Officer in Queensland, Youngest CEO since the 2008 Amalgamations, and the first CEO to start under a First Start program and progress to CEO. Justin’s background in rural, remote, and First Nation communities provides a unique perspective, enriching his capacity to support these regions. |
| Leisa Dowling MLGMA Director (At Large) Chief Executive Officer | Leisa has considerable senior leadership and executive experience within the State and local government sectors, across diverse portfolios. Leisa commenced her local government career as Director of Parks, Recreation and Environment with Gladstone Regional Council in 2010 and was honoured to be appointed as CEO in 2018. Throughout her career, Leisa has successfully led organisational change to deliver value and more effectively respond to the needs of customers and communities. Leisa leads with a culture of care and believes in the importance of building genuine and purposeful connections. Leisa values the support and opportunities provided through many years of LGMA membership and relishes the opportunity to give back to the industry that she loves. |
| Mica Martin MLGMA Director (At Large)
Chief Executive Officer |
Mica commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Coast Regional Council in November 2025, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across Queensland local government. She is widely recognised for delivering major infrastructure projects and organisational reform while keeping community outcomes at the centre of decision-making. Before joining Fraser Coast Regional Council, Mica served as Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Regional Council from 2021 to 2024, leading more than 1,200 staff. During her tenure, she advanced water security and major infrastructure projects and implemented a modern enterprise resource planning system. Mica previously spent more than two decades at Brisbane City Council, including as Executive Manager of Field Services, where she led 1,900 staff across parks, civil construction, waste, fleet, quarry and asphalt services. Mica is passionate about building connected, sustainable and future-focused communities. Her leadership prioritises strong governance, staff development and meaningful community outcomes. |
  | Dr Nikola Stepanov MLGMA Director (At Large) Chief Executive Officer Tablelands Regional Council | Dr Nikola Stepanov is a highly regarded Chief Executive Officer, lawyer, ethicist, non-executive director, governance professional and academic. She brings broad experience to local government, including as a practising in-house lawyer within infrastructure and service-intensive organisations. Nikola holds six degrees, including a Juris Doctor and a PhD completed through the Melbourne School of Medicine and the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. As Queensland Integrity Commissioner, Nikola was the first woman appointed to the role and the first Commissioner appointed for a second term. In this capacity, she provided formal advice on more than 1,200 matters, ranging from amendments to the Ministerial Code of Conduct to major multigenerational infrastructure projects. Nikola is also an Adjunct Professor with James Cook University’s College of Medicine and Dentistry. She serves voluntarily on several boards and committees, including RSPCA Queensland, and continues to supervise PhD students. |
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To view Board Meeting Minutes please contact:Tess Bishop P: [07] 3174 5006
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