RDA’s operations are led by the Chief Executive Officer, Wayde Chiesa and supported by our dedicated local team.
Chief Executive Officer
Wayde Chiesa, CEO of Regional Development Australia
Townsville and North West Queensland, is a born and bred North Queenslander. He
has over 25 years of experience in business and finance roles, and 15 years of
experience in the media industry working in sports broadcasting with Southern
Cross Austereo, including covering the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2011
and 2012 Australian Open with Yahoo7.
Wayde is passionate about ensuring regional Queensland takes
full advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead.
Wayde’s expertise extends to his current role as CEO of
Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland. He joined
the organisation in August 2021, bringing with him local knowledge, experience,
and connections. Wayde leads his team in creating new and fostering existing
relationships across all levels of government, business, and industry to
strengthen regional communities. The Townsville and North West Queensland RDA
area spans 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs), from Palm Island in the east to
Mount Isa in the west, including up to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Boulia.
Wayde is a Chartered Accountant and his previous positions
include Director – Regional Development and Investment at Townsville
Enterprise, as well as senior roles at BHP, Incitec Pivot, Townsville City
Council, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a born and bred North Queenslander
with an unwavering passion for the region. Wayde’s extensive experience in both
the private and public sectors make him an invaluable asset to RDA Townsville
and North West Queensland.
Project Manager JTNQ
Lisa McDonald is the Project Manager for Jobs Townsville and North Queensland, bringing over 28 years of comprehensive management experience in the agriculture, economic development, and energy sectors of North Queensland. As a proud Queenslander with a proven track record in leadership roles, Lisa has cultivated a deep understanding of the region’s industries, their intricacies, and the challenges they face.
As the driving force behind the Jobs Townsville and North Queensland (JTNQ) program, Lisa is committed to fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders across diverse sectors. Her strategic approach ensures that JTNQ remains at the forefront of addressing the region’s evolving workforce needs. By forging alliances with key organisations representing government, various industries and employment groups, Lisa facilitates developing and implementing tailored solutions.
Lisa’s academic background complements her professional expertise, holding a PhD in agriculture alongside Master’s degrees in Business and Marketing. Prior to her current role, Lisa held senior positions at Townsville Enterprise and Ergon Energy, where she honed her skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
Committed to driving skills and workforce initiatives that support communities in achieving a prosperous and sustainable future, Lisa is passionate about North Queensland’s economic growth.
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.
In her role, Katrina works closely with the RDA team, government, media, industry, and community stakeholders to strategically create messages to help deliver strategic initiatives that address regional challenges and drive economic development. Her expertise in marketing, public relations, and event management ensures that RDA Townsville and North West Queensland communicates effectively with key audiences and maintains a strong regional presence.
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.
Executive Assistant
Brianna joined RDA in February 2023 and provides executive support to the RDA office, including
diary management, office management, preparation of committee meeting papers
and agendas and other general office duties.
Brianna joins RDA with experience in administration, and is working towards gaining her degree in Physiotherapy!
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Regional Development Australia acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia. We respect and celebrate the inherent strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their commitment to the land, waters and their communities. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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