RDA Sunshine Coast is made up of a small, passionate team dedicated to strengthening, building and empowering the region.
Our community-based organisation’s vision is to support the creation of an innovative, dynamic, connected and sustainable Sunshine Coast.
As a Federal Government initiative, we identify local priorities, align resources, engage stakeholders and play a key leadership role in engaging our local community in change and innovation.
Our Team
Paul Fisher
CEO
Paul has been the CEO of RDASC since December 2018 and has also held numerous non executive director roles including on the Board of – Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN); United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Australia; and Eardrum – Australia’s most awarded audio agency.
Paul also volunteers on the Sunshine Coast Business Awards Management Committee and is a Business Mentor on the Generation Innovation Challenge.
Paul has more than 25 years’ international strategic and operational leadership experience, in sectors as diverse as logistics, international humanitarian aid, digital media and social impact.
He has performed CEO, Managing Director and Board-level (NED) roles in high-growth start-up SMEs and established national and global enterprises, and has led commercial organisations both in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region.
Paul has also coordinated emergency humanitarian operations in Rwanda and Kosovo for CARE Australia.
Paul is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), holds a post graduate certificate in Change Management (GCCM) from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and is also a certified organisational executive coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL).
Kathy Terrill
Research and Grant Co-Ordinator
A true ‘people person’ Kathy loves to combine her outstanding organisational and business skills to support Sunshine Coast businesses who seek the support of RDASC.
She has a varied an interesting background having worked with both small business and in government organisations over the past thirty years.
Kathy is passionate about supporting businesses and organisations to become increasingly viable, sustainable and relevant. In her role as Research and Grants Coordinator, Kathy aims to support the RDASC in promoting innovation, attracting investment to the region and connecting businesses and organisations to funding opportunities; and see the Sunshine Coast established as an example of excellence, with RDASC becoming a driving force for inclusive and sustainable regional development.
Jennifer Swaine
Communications Manager
Jennifer has over 30 years experience in marketing and communications and has held a number of senior roles over the years while based in Sydney.
Jennifer is passionate and proud to call the Sunshine Coast home. As the Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards and Secretary of the Sunshine Coast Chambers Alliance, Jennifer engages with the businesses that make up the fabric of this great region and actively promotes, connects and collaborates with others to promote and increase the profile of the greater Sunshine Coast.
Jennifer is a regular business columnist for In Noosa Magazine and Hello Sunshine and is a regular public speaker and emcee. She also has her own marketing and communications business and works with a variety of businesses assisting them with their branding and increasing their profile.
She is the Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Vice President of the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance, is the Lead on the Business & Tourism Committee for Sunshine Coast 2032 and a Non Executive Director of Visit Sunshine Coast.