Media Release – RDA Tropical North appoints CEO

Lainie Poon appointed RDA Tropical North CEO

28th October 2025

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North has appointed Lainie Poon as Chief Executive Officer to drive collaboration for economic growth across Far North Queensland.

RDA Tropical North Chair Hurriyet Babacan announced Ms Poon’s appointment at the organisation’s October Board meeting, congratulating Ms Poon who has been the Interim CEO for the past seven weeks.

“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.

“Lainie has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a strong understanding of the region’s priorities and a collaborative style that brings people together.

“Among Lainie’s key achievements is 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 in the region.

“Lainie worked alongside the previous CEO Sonja Johnson who led RDA Tropical North for more than four years and together they delivered a suite of high-impact regional strategies that have strengthened our organisation’s foundation.

“The Board believes that Lainie’s appointment will ensure this important work will continue to evolve and deliver long-term value for the region.”

Ms Poon said she was passionate about collaboration and helping the region to speak with one voice.

“I will build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessor and myself over the past four years to 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,” she said.

“My focus is on supporting these changemakers to amplify their impact and ensure the region’s collective voice is heard where it matters most.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our Chair and Board to further our goals particularly around Indo-Pacific opportunities, regional water security, industry development and regional collaboration.”

Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc is an independent organisation driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.

ENDS

Media contact

RDATN CEO, Lainie Poon  |  Ph  0413 011 543  | ceo@rdatropicalnorth.org.au

RDATN Chair Prof Hurriyet Babacan  |  Ph 0413 819 884  |  chair@rdatropicalnorth.org.au

Visit www.rdatropicalnorth.org.au for more information about
Regional Development Australia Tropical North.