Management Team
With a broad range of international general management, operational and marketing experience gained over many years in senior management, Bob’s credits include General Manager for The Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board (GWSEDB), along with a Business Networks consultant within Austrade (working for SME’s and multinationals).
Bob Germaine - Executive Officer
With hands-on experience in developing industry, business and community networks, and in the planning, building and development of investment projects within the Asia Pacific, Bob is now Executive Officer for Regional Development Australia – Sydney; working together with industry, business, Government, education, and community stakeholders to advance sustainable, economic development and social equity within Sydney’s Region.
Following a long career in Electrical and Software design, manufacturing and management for process automation and control systems, Noel joined GROW Sydney ACC as Office/Operations Manager in 2004 and managed the transition from GROW to RDA Sydney.
Noel Bell AFAIM MACS - Operations Manager
Responsible for the management of RDA Sydney's office operations, Noel's role covers General Administration, Financial Management, Human Resources, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Corporate Governance, along with Contractual Reporting, Project Support and Stakeholder Engagement.
Therese O’Dwyer - Senior Policy & Projects Manager
Therese joined RDA Sydney in August 2009. Therese worked in various management positions in the Commonwealth public sector in the portfolio of Employment Education and Training. For the last 12 years she worked at GROW Sydney ACC as a Senior Project Manager. Therese also has a background in Nursing.
Therese’s geographic focus is Inner, Eastern and Southern Sydney. Her role also involves Project Managing the development of relevant submissions and plans and the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) EOI process. Her thematic area is health and community care.
With a B.A. in Anthropology and an Advanced Diploma in Public Health, Mark’s experience lies in accounting, nursing, community development and project management, where he has worked in Australia; along with Indonesia, Sudan and Tanzania (acting as Program Manager for Australian and European organisations for over 15 years). 
Mark Wigley - Project Development Manager
Most recently, Mark was employed by GROW Sydney ACC as a Project Development Manager and now continues his work in inclusive and sustainable economic development for RDA Sydney with a focus on Northern Sydney as well as specialisation across Sydney in the thematic areas of Health and Transport/Logistics.
Olga Yoldi - Project Development Manager
Olga Yoldi joined RDA Sydney in 2009, having worked for GROW Sydney ACC. She manages the South West Region, where she works with all levels of Government and community groups to facilitate economic development & job creation initiatives. Her thematic areas are agriculture and youth unemployment.
Olga studied Communications and Literature at the University of Technology and the University of Pau, France. She held different management roles in the community sector and State government agencies and in the media. She is inspired by working for an organisation that empowers disadvantaged communities and develops regions.
John Pearson - Project Development Manager
John holds qualifications in science, economics, and marketing, with diverse regional development experience in government and industry. His early work included Australian and international roles, in the mineral exploration and mining industries.
His recent roles in Western Sydney include management of a NSW industry membership organisation providing business improvement and advisory services. Prior to joining RDA Sydney, he was responsible for the forums and networked activities of the Manufacturers Connection. John's geographic focus is Western Sydney. His thematic areas include finance, property and professional business services, manufacturing, defence and aerospace, industry clusters and waste management.
Anne joined the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board in 2007 which merged with GROW Sydney ACC to become RDA Sydney. Following 14 years experience as Executive Assistant to the Commercial Director of a leading global ink manufacturing and distribution company, Anne has successfully coordinated the Leaders Forum for Western Sydney Manufacturing Week over the past 4 years in addition to a variety of other forums, roundtables and seminars..jpg)
Anne Malsbury - Events & Projects Officer
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Kristina Karhunen - Marketing Communications & Projects Manager
Recent ACRA Award nominee, awarded whilst the Marketing and Promotions Director at Southern Cross Media, Kristina’s experience lies in Marketing, Communications and Project Development. Kristina assisted in the original development and conception of not for profit organisation Livewire (2009 UTUG Award winner). Kristina has also worked for the ABC (as Project Developer), The Starlight Children’s Foundation and managed her own Event Management Company in Los Angeles.
Now part of the RDA Sydney team, Kristina is excited to assist in creating brand awareness and making a difference within Sydney’s Regions.
Kathy Zhao - Accounts / Payroll Officer
With a diploma of Accounting, Diploma of Real Estate and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Shanghai), Kathy is responsible for all aspects of Accounts including Creditors and Debtors; Payroll and Superannuation; Statutory Reporting in a variety of accounting software systems, including MYOB and SAP.
With particular expertise in accounting practices for not-for-profit organisations, Kathy was instrumental in the transition from GROW Sydney ACC and GWSEDB to the establishment of RDA Sydney. Providing IT Management and extensive experience in OH&S and office administration, Kathy is an asset to the team.