RDA Tropical North promotes former relationships manager to new CEO
There’s too many chefs in the Far North’s “strategy” kitchen as RDA Tropical North and its new CEO firm up its role as advocacy gate keeper with a focus on women in the economy.
There’s an estimated 37 “strategic plans” floating around the Far North aiming to individually achieve their own results but requiring greater collaboration, as RDA Tropical North appoints a new boss.
The federally-funded agency promoted its former relationships manager Lainie Poon to chief executive, after she had been filling in the top job for the past seven weeks following Sonja Johnson’s resignation in August.
Ms Poon joined RDA Tropical North in 2019 as office manager and held roles in executive services and business development.
Prior to joining the agency Ms Poon had a diverse work background including hospitality, tourism, small business, sport and as a mortgage broker.
“I think I have a unique perspective and have a greater understanding of our broader community with all those touch points,” she said.
Her appointment comes as the region prepares for disaster season, as the rebuild from previous events continue and dominate government-funding agendas for the Far North.
Ms Poon said connectivity would feature as an immediate priority to commence her tenure.
“Continuing our work on our Cape York Region package and the sealing of the Peninsula Development Rd, working with stakeholders on the mountain bike strategy, also looking at sealing of the Savannah Development way – looking at the east-west connectivity piece.”
Ms Poon said while most her work would continue her predecessor’s efforts, she’d be putting her own stamp on advancing the region through increasing the involvement of women.
“I also have a particular interest in the participation of women in the economy, whether that’s through financial literacy or making sure women are active participants in the economy.”
With one year of a state LNP Government, Ms Poon said most of the language around development coming from the parliamentarians was of “action.”
“But whether that translates into real action … I’m looking forward to it.”
RDA Tropical North chair Hurriyet Babacan welcomed the new appointment while noting the organisation would enter an era of playing a gatekeeping role on the region’s advocacy.
“There’s a broad range of challenges in our region – economic, water, housing, roads, climate change and more but what’s the right solution,” Ms Babacan said.
“There isn’t necessarily agreement, we have a number of organisations.
“We’ve identified there are 37 strategic plans in the region. We’re not going to achieve everything. So our board is really committed to a collaborative approach in solving our region’s complex issues.”
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Originally published as RDA Tropical North promotes former relationships manager to new CEO
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