Following endorsement by Federal Minister for Regional Development, Dr John McVeigh MP, John Turner, Chairman of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, today announced the appointment of the organisation’s new Board of Directors for the period 1st July 2018 to 31st December 2020.

Mr Turner appointed Deputy Chair:

Ms Susan Ivens – Acting Deputy Chair of RDA Hunter since April 2017 BA, Dip Ed, MBA, BLaws, FAICD, Chair RDA Hunter Finance and Audit Subcommittee Business and legal expertise

and Board members:

Ms Kelsey Barrett – Director of Kumalie Group, risk analysis, corporate communications expertise
Mr Darren Bayley – Principal of Tocal Agricultural College, expertise in education and agriculture
Ms Jennifer Hayes – Non-executive Director, NFP health care governance, audit/risk specialist 
Mr Paul Hughes – Non-Executive Director, local government, airport and tourism management
Mr Geoff Lilliss – Retired CEO multinational manufacturing/electricity companies, conjoint professor
Dr Kirsten Molloy – CEO, Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator, STEM exemplar
Mr Ian Pedersen – Consulting Engineer, Chair Infrastructure Committee & Councillor NSW Business Chamber

“I thank all applicants for their interest in contributing to a stronger Hunter region through RDA Hunter. I am very pleased to announce the appointment of the organisation’s new nine-strong Board which combines the knowledge of returning directors with the expertise of three new members,” said Mr Turner.

“The directors bring a diverse mix of qualifications and experience to RDA Hunter and will make a valuable contribution to the region’s future. Together with Susan and the Board, I look forward to leading RDA Hunter into a new phase and exploring new opportunities to create a strong local economy and a skilled workforce for the future.” Mr Turner continued.

RDA Hunter is the lead economic development organisation in the Hunter region. It actively works in partnerships with the three levels of government, industry, other RDAs and local communities to create jobs, attract investment, and promote economic growth in the Hunter. By engaging with entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders, RDA Hunter is exploring new opportunities to create a strong local economy and communicate the Hunter’s priorities to Government. It:

Collaborates with relevant stakeholders to identify economic opportunities
Promotes and disseminates information on Australian Government policies and programs
Supports the community to access government funding programs
Explores opportunities for regional jobs growth
Facilitates public and private sector decentralisation