Our Committee
Ms Debra Burden
Chair
BBus FIML FAICD
Debra commenced as CEO of selectability in February 2017 and has previously held CEO and executive management positions with Queensland Country Credit Union and Health Fund, 1300Smiles and Canegrowers Burdekin.
Her business management expertise has been recognised with the Qld Business Review Women in Business Award and the Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award.
Debra has held board positions in numerous companies and is currently a Director of Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and until recently was a Director of North Queensland Primary Health Network and Deputy Chair of North and West Remote Health.
Cr Mary Brown
DEPUTY Chair
Mary joined RDA in 2017, was appointed Deputy Chair in 2021 and Acting Chair in late 2024.
Mary is a Councillor at Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
She has over 30 years’ experience in private enterprise, has raised six children and has established several local businesses.
Mary is also a past president of the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Maria James
Treasurer
Maria James is the CEO of MITEZ, a regional development organisation encompassing seven local government areas along the North West corridor, together with mining, transport, logistics and energy members.
A born and bred North Queenslander, with 14 years prior experience at Port of Townsville, she is passionate about the Northern Australia region and being part of its development.
Mr Noel Gertz
Noel joined RDA in 2021. Noel co-established On Common Country Pty Ltd in 2017 to provide workforce planning and indigenous procurement services to major resource and infrastructure projects.
Noel is the current Chairperson of On Common Country. Noel has extensive experience in community engagement.
Mr Chris Boshoff
Chris joined RDA in 2021. Chris was the former President of Commerce North West. He has extensive experience in managing business, project management and has sat on a number of Not for Profit committees.
Chris represents the North West, residing in Mount Isa. However, he has the desire to see the entire North West Corridor flourish.
Cr June Kuhl
June joined RDA in 2017 and is the Deputy Mayor of Richmond Shire Council, having served in local government for since 2008, previously as Deputy Mayor and Councillor.
June and her husband Gavin have operated a grazing property in the Richmond shire for almost 40 years. June is passionate about the shire and its future potential.
June is a Director of Southern Gulf NRM and a member of the LGAQ Natural Assets and NRM Advisory Board
Cr Ashley Gallagher
Ashley joined RDA in 2021. Ashley has been a Councillor at Carpentaria Shire Council for 20 years, four of which were as Mayor.
Ashley has also held other committee and board roles including Southern Gulf Catchments, as well as being involved in many volunteer organizations.
