RDA’s operations are led by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa McDonald and supported by our dedicated local team.
Chief Executive officer
Dr Lisa McDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Townsville and North West Queensland, leading strategic efforts to strengthen regional economies, attract investment, and build sustainable futures across 14 diverse local government areas.
With more than 28 years’ experience in the agriculture, energy, and economic development sectors, Lisa brings deep industry knowledge and a strong track record of delivering results for North Queensland. She has a proven ability to build collaborative partnerships across government, industry, and community to drive practical outcomes that support regional growth.
Lisa is passionate about creating pathways that enable North and North West Queensland to reach its full potential. She works closely with regional leaders and partners to align investment and policy with local priorities, supporting major projects, workforce development, and industry growth.
Lisa holds a PhD in Agriculture and Master’s degrees in Business and Marketing. Her career includes senior leadership roles with Townsville Enterprise and Ergon Energy, and most recently as the Project Manager of the Jobs Townsville North Queensland (JTNQ) program, where she successfully led workforce initiatives and strengthened regional partnerships.
A proud Queenslander, Lisa is committed to advancing a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for the region she calls home.
Public Affairs & Marketing
Katrina brings over 15 years of experience in local government and private industry, along with broad knowledge of North and North West Queensland’s industries and economic opportunities. With expertise in communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement, she has successfully led high-impact campaigns driving city growth and community engagement.
Katrina drives strategic communications and project delivery for RDA Townsville and North West Queensland, working with government, media, industry, and community stakeholders to advance initiatives that tackle regional challenges and unlock economic opportunities. She combines expertise in marketing, public affairs, and event management with hands-on project leadership to ensure initiatives are delivered with impact and visibility. From shaping messages that influence decision-makers to managing complex projects that strengthen workforce, liveability, and investment outcomes, Katrina ensures RDA maintains a strong, credible presence while delivering tangible results for the region.
Katrina holds a Graduate Diploma in Marketing Communications, a Bachelor of Business, and a Diploma of Event Management. Her professional experience includes leadership roles in communications and marketing at Townsville City Council and The Ville-Resort Casino, where she developed and implemented strategies to enhance and support strategic executive priorities.
Katrina is passionate about fostering collaboration and delivering outcomes that contribute to the region’s communities and sustainable development.
Administration
Alana is an experienced administration and events professional with a diverse background spanning healthcare, hospitality, and regional development. With over a decade of experience in high-pressure, client-facing environments, she brings a strong foundation in organisational support, stakeholder coordination, and customer service excellence.
In her role at Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland, Alana provides essential administrative support to the team, helping facilitate the smooth delivery of strategic initiatives that drive regional economic growth. She plays a key role in managing internal communications, coordinating meetings and events and ensuring effective liaison across government, industry, and community stakeholders. Her background in healthcare administration and event management allows her to operate with precision, haste, and adaptability in dynamic settings.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Alana is passionate about contributing to meaningful work that enhances community wellbeing and regional resilience. Her professional journey—from leading large-scale events to supporting multidisciplinary clinical teams—reflects her strong work ethic, collaborative approach, and commitment to continuous learning.