RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven begins new era with new Board appointments
13 JUNE 2024
Wollongong, NSW: Today, Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven (RDAIS) announces the appointment of its new Board, ushering in a new era for the regional advocacy body.
Compromising of experienced local leaders, the new Board reflects the commitment to building upon the region’s strengths, addressing its challenges and pursuit of economic growth.
From the Illawarra to the Shoalhaven, the new Board have a shared dedication to enhancing and shaping the region’s future, bringing a wealth of expertise across multiple industries including academia, built infrastructure, defence, business, health, manufacturing and community services.
RDAIS Board Chair, Mark McKenzie, said the new Board was selected following strong interest, commenting:
“We were blown away by the volume and calibre of applicants who expressed interest in joining the RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven Board,”
“Applicants were assessed based on their experience, governance skills, geographic representation and proven commitment to bettering our region. I’m very confident in this new Board’s ability to deliver tangible outcomes for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven,” said Mr McKenzie.
The new Board members are:
Ms Marika Calfas: CEO, NSW Ports
Ms Narelle Clay: CEO, Southern Youth and Family Services
Dr Jodi Edwards: VC Indigenous Research Fellow, UOW
Mr Laurie Koster: Joint Owner, Alkath Group
Assoc. Prof. Kimberley McMahon-Coleman: Academic Development, Charles Sturt University
Mr Mark Roberts: Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, UOW
Mr David Scott: General Manager Manufacturing Australia (Steel Products), BlueScope
Ms Nicky Sloan: CEO, Community Industry Group
Mr Paul Smith: Chairman and Co-Owner, Sydney Kings
Mr Roger Stephan: CEO, Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Organisation of Councils (ISJO)
Mr David Wootton: Manager, Headspace Wollongong
Today’s announcement comes following the 1 April boundary expansion of RDAIS to encompass the Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven LGA’s, as well as the Jervis Bay Territory.
Under the guidance of the new Board, RDAIS’s priorities including fostering collaboration with industry, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, advocating for infrastructure investments, addressing workforce challenges and championing the Government's decarbonisation and renewable energy efforts.
#ENDS