The director of National Parks, Sally Barnes, will take over as chief executive of the National Capital Authority.
Acting Minister for Local Government and Territories Darren Chester said Ms Barnes would replace Malcolm Snow, who left the authority to join the ACT government in August.
"Ms Barnes will bring new energy to the NCA as it ensures Canberra is a national capital all Australians can be proud of," Mr Chester said.
"The NCA performs a special role on behalf of the Australian government as manager and trustee of its interests in the national capital.
Ms Barnes was recently awarded the ACT Excellence in Women's Leadership award and has previously been the chief executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage in the NSW government.
She will take up her new role in February.
