Charlie Vincent has been selected to be the inaugural head of industry engagement with the Beechworth-based tourism body from January 24.

The appointment means Ms Vincent is unable to continue as an Alpine councillor.

"The role itself we all agree, the CEO of Alpine Shire and the CEO of Tourism North East, means there is a conflict because there needs to be quite a lot of impartiality around the whole of the North East," she said.

"It's representing a much bigger region than Alpine, so if I was an Alpine Shire councillor there would be a conflict."

Tourism North East is funded by Victoria's government, Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Mansfield, Murrindindi, Towong and Wangaratta councils and the alpine resorts of Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mount Stirling and Mount Hotham.

Ms Vincent's tasks will involve being a conduit between tourism interests and in doing so taking over some duties previously done by chief executive Bess Nolan-Cook.

Her departure from council follows her election in last year's Alpine poll.

"I'm very sad to be leaving council," Ms Vincent said.

"I've loved the opportunity and I have loved to have continued if it was going to work.

"It was a very hard call."

Ms Vincent's previous work arranging school snow tours has been decimated by COVID restrictions.

The Bright resident became the first Animal Justice Party candidate to be declared a councillor in Australia.

Ms Vincent said it was apparent there was a broad consensus among councillors about the need for a compassionate approach to the environment and animals and she did not feel she had to fiercely advocate.

She cited the shire's adoption of a climate emergency motion and climate action plan to be carbon neutral by July 2023 as highlights of her council stint.

Mayor Sarah Nicholas praised Ms Vincent.

"It will be a great loss, Charlie has contributed wonderfully over the time she's been on Alpine Shire as a councillor," Cr Nicholas said.

"She has had a very balanced approach, she can see all aspects of a decision and works towards being a good decision-maker."

Ms Vincent's replacement on council will be determined by an online countback to be conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission at 11am on Wednesday January 19.

It will involve the redistribution of votes lodged for unsuccessful candidates at the 2020 election to fill a quota and therefore the vacant position.

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