We didn't have to wait long for the name of the new interim Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) to be announced by the Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin.

Former CEO, Mal Lanyon, was announced as the NSW Police Commissioner on Wednesday, which posed the question, "Who would run the RA?"

Kate Meagher is the Chair of the State’s Emergency Management Committee and Deputy Secretary at the Premier’s Department. Ms Meagher will start her role on October 13, 2025.

Ms Meagher's LinkedIn profile shows a history of media and communications that started with the South Sydney City Council in 1997 for two years before moving to the NSW Government as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the Premier and to the Ministers for Education, Environment, Women, Attorney General, Arts, Assistant Health, Energy and Emergency Services for the next ten years.

The next decade was spent in Relations and Advisor roles at UTS and RECOGNISE, before moving back into the NSW Government.

A spokesperson for Janelle Saffin, Minister for Recovery, said, "Her experience in disasters and focus on emergency management in her current role make her an ideal choice."

"Kate was on the ground in Lismore in the immediate days following the 2022 floods, giving her a strong understanding of the issues faced by communities in the region. 

"As interim CEO, Kate’s focus will be on maintaining momentum on key government initiatives, such as the Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands Programs and ensuring recovery efforts continue to deliver meaningful support for communities.

"The Minister understands the vital importance of appointing a highly capable leader who can continue guiding the NSW Reconstruction Authority to support communities as they prepare for and recover from disasters.

"Ms Meagher will be interim CEO while recruitment for a permanent CEO takes place."

There is no word on when Ms Meagher will visit Lismore and the Northern Rivers to see the progress being made in our recovery from the 2022 floods.