Lucy Roffey, the current CEO of Buloke Shire will take over the reigns, bringing a unique mix of financial, corporate and local government experience to the role, the shire said on Tuesday.

Related: Central Goldfields Shire Council sacked by state government

The shire will be managed by three administrators until council elections in 2020 after the state government in August sacked the previous council following revelations of extensive financial and governance failures by the shire. 

Central Goldfields Shire chair of administrators Noel Harvey said he and his fellow administrators were delighted with the appointment.

“With demonstrated success in bringing strategy, leadership and transformation to organisations we are confident that Ms Roffey has the skills to lead us through a period of significant transformation as we deliver on the Organisation Reform Program, re-engage with our community and provide stable and visionary leadership in dealing with the many challenges that we have,” he said.

Ms Roffey said she had “mixed feelings” leaving Buloke Shire Council.

“I have loved working with the councillors, staff and the community over the last 12 months. Engaging with the community to develop the new council plan was a highlight as was continuing the advocacy with State and Federal governments for the Rural Living Campaign. However to work with the newly appointed administrators at Central Goldfields Shire is a unique opportunity and will also bring me back closer to my family,” she said.

The shire’s former CEO Mark Johnston is facing 67 criminal charges relating to obtaining a financial advantage by deception for alleged misuse of a corporate credit card and false accounting.

The charges were laid following a investigation by the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate. 

Johnston, who served as Central Goldfields Shire CEO for 22 years, resigned from his position in August after being stood down indefinitely in July.