OUR PEOPLE
RDA Murray is a non-profit community based organisation.
We are led by our Board, comprising 8 directors from across the Murray region. They represent our local communities, businesses, and local government in the management of our organisation. The RDA Murray Board consists of individuals with broad and diverse skills which supports the good management of the organisation. The Chair is appointed by the Commonwealth Minister for Regional Development. Vacant positions are advertised on our website.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Kylie King
Chair
Kylie King is Chair of RDA Murray, a regional leader with deep experience in civic advocacy, communications, and policy, committed to driving inclusive growth and opportunity across the Murray region.
Geoff Lowe
Deputy Chair
Geoff has extensive experience in the automotive industry, compliance, finance and accounting, marketing, and business management.
Ben Foley
Board Member
For over 15 years, Ben Foley has built extensive networks throughout the Murray & Riverina regions of NSW. He has extensive governance, stakeholder-management, sales, marketing, financial management and strategic planning experience.
Brian Millar
Board Member
Brian brings significant educational leadership experience in both the Vocational Education and Training and the Higher Education Sectors to our business line.
Sophie Gairn
Board Member
Sophie Gairn is a passionate advocate for regional communities and one of the new faces of the RDA Murray Board.
Sarah Ryan
Board Member
Sarah Ryan is a regional development leader with over two decades of experience spanning local government, the not-for-profit sector, sport, tourism, and major events.
Ray Davy
Board Member
Ray Davy is a highly experienced infrastructure and local government leader with deep roots in regional development.
Peter Alexander
Board Member
Peter brings more than 20 years’ experience as an executive in the corporate sector at national and international level.
Myles O'Reilly
Board Member
Myles O’Reilly is a cross-border advocate with an extensive background in engagement; regional resilience; and leading organisations in transition.
Chloe Bakic
Board Member
With a strong foundation in business management and marketing, Chloe brings a wealth of experience from her leadership role at DLG Aluminium & Glazing, where she oversees finance, marketing, HR and strategic projects.
Jo Shannon
Board Member
Jo Shannon brings over 20 years of experience in financial management and corporate governance from local government, alpine resort and tourism sectors.
Deb Kerr
Board Member
With over two decades in executive roles across government and industry, Deb Kerr is a powerhouse in policy development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and corporate communications.
OUR STAFF
Sarimah Hellyer
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Regional Development
Sarimah brings over 25 years’ experience in strategy, leadership, marketing, consumer experience and business transformation positions. Her early experience was gained in finance and consulting, and in the last decade has pivoted to more purpose driven organizations, with positions in community health, disability and regional economic development, where her passion for the betterment of regional Australia is well directed.
Carolyn Clancy
Office Manager
Carolyn is the Business Manager at RDA Murray and plays a central role in keeping the organisation operating effectively across governance, finance, administration and stakeholder coordination. With extensive regional knowledge and strong community relationships, Carolyn is also integral to RDAM’s migration and visa processing services, supporting skilled workers, employers and regional workforce outcomes across the region.
Dr Werner Vogels
Policy & Research Manager
Werner grew up in a rural town in the Netherlands and now calls Bangerang Country home. A neuropsychologist by training, holding a PhD in Psychology, he brings expertise in research, impact measurement, facilitation, leadership, and regional strategy, always curious about why people and systems behave the way they do. At RDA Murray, Werner leads research and policy, translating regional insights and complex data into evidence-based advocacy that shapes investment, planning, and decision-making for the Murray region.
Leigh Johnston
Marketing & Engagement Manager
Leigh is the Marketing and Engagement Manager at Regional Development Australia Murray, bringing extensive experience in public and private sector strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and regional storytelling. Passionate about promoting the strengths and opportunities of regional communities, Leigh leads RDAM’s marketing, media and engagement activities, helping to connect industry, government and community through clear communication, advocacy and impactful regional initiatives.
Karin Wilcox
Manager of The Welcome Experience
Tertiary qualified in Business (Marketing), Tertiary Education, and Psychiatric Nursing, Karin brings a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, community co-design, marketing and communication.
Karin leads The Welcome Experience - a people focused workforce initiative supporting essential workers and their families to relocate, integrate, and stay in regional NSW. her work sits at the intersection of workforce development, community connection and policy, addressing critical retention challenges across regional areas.
Lou Newman
Local Connector, The Welcome Experience
Lou is a Local Connector with The Welcome Experience program at RDA Murray, where she supports essential workers and their families to successfully settle into communities across the Murray region. Originally trained as an agronomist, Lou brings a strong background in community development, having previously coordinated both a Neighbourhood House and a Cultural Exchange program. Lou is passionate about regional communities and meaningful connection, and dedicated to helping newcomers feel welcomed, supported and connected to local opportunities and networks.