Todd Williams

CEO

Todd Williams was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia - Hunter in January 2010.

The newly established RDA Hunter marks a new beginning for regional advocacy and provides a much needed single voice from the region to all levels of government. Its Hunter priorities include education and training, economic diversification, infrastructure development, innovation and social inclusion.

Mr Williams is an active member of local business networks and has a strong business education including a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from his home-town university, Newcastle.

He was previously Director-Operations of Newcastle University Sport. Mr Williams is a former Hunter Business Chamber Young Achiever of the Year where he was recognised for his innovative and successful approach to the establishment of The Forum Health & Wellness Centre, Harbourside. The establishment of the Centre paved the way for the integration of health and fitness into a precinct that was evolving into a vibrant place for people to live and work.

Ashley Cox

ME Program Manager

Ashley joined RDA Hunter in January 2011 as the ME Program Manager. Ashley’s previous role was with the University of Newcastle as the Industry Liaison Officer for the University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship Scheme (UNISS).  In this role, Ashley secured scholarship funding for engineering undergraduates to complete their studies and gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Prior to the University, Ashley worked for the Australian Industry Group as the Regional Industry Career Advisor for the Hunter and Central Coast regions. Ashley worked in this role to ensure that young people had access to up-to-date and regionally relevant career advice. He possesses a Bachelor of Health Science from UTS and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Career Education and Development from RMIT.

Ashley is passionate about creating industry/education partnerships as a way to ensure students develop realistic career goals and that industry can secure a skilled workforce in the long term.

Amber McRae

Executive Assistant

Amber joined RDA Hunter in February 2010 after working for a number of NSW Government agencies including Office of Water and NSW Health. Prior to this she worked as a personal assistant and office manager for private sector organisations in the security and engineering sectors.

She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Human Bioscience and has successfully completed Certificates in management, youth work, government and hospitality.

Amber is fifth generation Hunter resident and is passionate about the region and committed to contributing to regional improvement projects.

Kate O'Mara

Projects Co-ordinator

Kate O’Mara is an experienced communicator and marketer. Graduating from the University of Newcastle in 1991, Kate worked in the advertising industry with leading agency Peach. During that time she was an Account Manager for a number of national and local clients and worked across a range of campaigns and events.

She then worked for regional development organization the Hunter Economic Development Corporation planning and implementing various marketing projects aimed at promoting the Hunter region for investment.

She joined RDA Hunter in November 2010 as Projects Co-ordinator. Kate is responsible for the co-ordination of all RDA-Hunter’s projects and the implementation of some of the larger ones including Hunter Advantage, Hunter Central Coast Innovation Festival and Williamtown Aerospace Centre.