Don MacLaren
DON McLaren is the Agritas Trade College's new chief executive officer.
College chairman and Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said that the appointment followed an extensive search and review of a wide field of candidates.
Mr McLaren will start in his Smithton-based role early next month after relocating from Western Australia with his wife Marie.
Cr Quilliam said Mr McLaren was the unanimous choice of the subcommittee that undertook interviews of shortlisted applicants in December.
"Don has wide management and leadership experience, including a senior role at New Zealand's renowned agricultural training facility, Massey University," Cr Quilliam said.
"On his arrival, Don will consult widely with farmers and stakeholders to develop courses and curriculum offerings that meet market needs.
"Tasmania's North-West is well positioned to deliver on forecast strong Asian demand for dairy and beef, which represents an outstanding opportunity for young adults in the region to be part of a very exciting economic growth period.
"The courses that will be offered at Agritas will provide the community with the necessary practical skills to take advantage of these opportunities and potentially generate substantial wealth for future generations."
Cr Quilliam said that Agritas received $4.25 million from the federal government under the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement and Cr Quilliam said that the board looked forward to working with the state and federal governments to achieve "significant outcomes for Tasmania's agricultural sector".