John Bennie was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Greater Dandenong City Council in October 2006.

John Bennie's extensive career in local government career commenced in 1976. He was Chief Executive Officer at Manningham City Council from 2000 - 2006 and has held other executive roles at Manningham (Director City Development) and Mornington Peninsula Shire (Group Manager Service Planning). At the time of local government amalgamations John was District Manager-Hawthorn at Boroondara City Council.

John Bennie was appointed President of the National Board of the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) on 25 May 2011. He is also a member of LGPro (Local Government Professionals) and an active Rotarian. John holds tertiary and post graduate qualifications in civil engineering, municipal engineering and business administration.