Speaker Sanchia Jacobs

Sanchia Jacobs is an executive leader with a career that has traversed the globe. She has worked in both central and local government – a New Zealand diplomat and trade negotiator prior to taking up a series of senior leadership positions at Auckland Council, initially as Head of Global Partnerships and Strategy where she was the brainchild behind a world first city tripartite economic alliance between Auckland, Guangzhou and Los Angeles, and lastly as Executive Officer Operations. For the past five years she has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Central Otago District Council. Earlier this year Sanchia transitioned to the private sector and a senior leadership role with Beca. Sanchia holds several governance positions in areas like renewable energy, government advisory, and is the current President of Taituarā – Local Government Professional’s Aotearoa.

Sanchia’s reputation is as a strategic leader, an innovator, and an executive leader committed to building a vibrant public service and delivering high-quality outcomes to New Zealand communities. She is driven by a desire to effect positive change and leave a legacy for future generations.