Newly appointed RDA Tropical North CEO Lainie Poon has received high praise from the organisation’s chair Hurriyet Babacan. Photo: Supplied.
Lainie Poon has become the full-time face to drive collaboration for economic growth across Far North Queensland.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North appointed Ms Poon chief executive officer after serving as interim CEO for the past seven weeks.
Ms Poon said she was passionate about helping the region to speak with one voice.
“I will progress our Tropical North Economic Development Strategy pathways, provide support to achieve shared regional outcomes, and ensure Indigenous participation is embedded into our regional development practices,” she said.
“Far North Queensland punches well above its weight – every day I am inspired by the innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders who are driving our region forward with passion, determination and grit.
“My focus is on supporting these changemakers to amplify their impact and ensure the region’s collective voice is heard where it matters most.”
Ms Poon said she looked forward to continuing to work closely with the RDA chair and board to further goals particularly around Indo-Pacific opportunities, regional water security, industry development and regional collaboration.
RDA Tropical North chair Hurriyet Babacan announced Ms Poon’s appointment at the organisation’s October board meeting.
“Lainie has been an integral part of the RDA Tropical North team for the past six years, joining as office manager in 2019 and progressing to Executive Services and Business Development manager before becoming Relationships manager four years ago,” she said.
“Her proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and regional economic development has been central to Lainie’s role in leading stakeholder collaboration and public relations for our independent organisation.”
She said among Lainie’s key achievements was the creation and delivery of the State of the Region Roadshow, now in its second year of collaborating with other regional stakeholders to provide economic development resources and connection across five local government areas.
