RDA Board
VICTORIA MacKIRDY
GAID
With more than 30 years’ leadership experience, Victoria is dedicated to driving regional growth and development. As CEO of the City of Victor Harbor, she works alongside community leaders and stakeholders to build a sustainable future for the region.
Victoria is committed to fostering economic development through her work on several boards, where she advocates for regional arts, emergency management, and gender equity. Her experience spans both local government and private enterprise, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing regional Australia.
Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, Victoria is passionate about creating lasting, positive change for regional communities.
PETER BUIK
& TREASURER
Peter has had a successful background in financial services, business finance and taxation services in his own firm for more than 30 years.
He has been involved in managing corporate business affairs and property management and development during that time and has been an active investor/developer in Mount Barker since 1993.
Now a resident of the region he is well equipped to apply his business skills for developing investment and employment opportunities within his community.
TOM COSENTINO
Holding degrees in Law and Commerce, Tom is a consultant working in agribusiness advisory and project management. He is currently engaged as a consultant by the Southern rock lobster, strawberry and livestock industries, predominantly in research fund management and advisory roles.
Tom was admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia as a barrister and solicitor in 2016 and prior to project management he worked as a business advisory, tax and insolvency accountant at PKF Australia. Tom and his wife Aimee breed beef cattle in Hindmarsh Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
BRETT MILLER
Brett co-founded the Miller Dental Group of which he remains Group CEO. With broad international industry experience working from the paddock to the Boardroom as a sustainability and management consultant, he remains a determined and passionate advocate of accessible primary health care.
Brett remains active as a Board member of leading organisations including Family Business Australia, Australian Dental Foundation, AAPM, Harley Day Surgery, and the Kangaroo Island Business & Brand Alliance.
ELLEN WUNDERSITZ
With more than two decades experience in marketing and business administration, Ellen has built a reputation for strengthening business operations and fostering growth.
As co-owner of Spacecraft Joinery in Strathalbyn, Ellen combines expertise in finance, people management, and governance. Her additional position as treasurer for the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute further underlines her commitment to advancing local economic success across our region.
JORDANA ASHCROFT O’SULLIVAN
Jordana brings a wealth of expertise in town planning and regional development, with a proven track record of tackling the region’s most complex challenges. Her experience spans tourism, healthcare, and beverage production, where she has led projects in sensitive environments.
Focused on practical solutions, Jordana is dedicated to shaping a future where development thrives alongside the region’s unique communities and natural landscapes, creating lasting, positive impact for years to come.
LUKE GRAY
As a valued member of our Board since 2019, Luke is passionate about strengthening the local economy and creating opportunities that benefit both businesses and the wider community. He contributes more than 20 years’ experience in local government, with expertise in planning, strategy, policy, urban design, major projects, economic development and public–private partnerships.
In his role as Manager of Strategic Projects and Economic Development at Mount Barker District Council, Luke focuses on driving economic growth and delivering major community facilities in the region.
SUSIE GREEN
Drawing on 30 years in the horticulture industry, Susie combines technical, communications, advocacy and business expertise with a collaborative approach to problem-solving. She brings expertise in relationship management, facilitation and strategy, coupled with experience delivering leadership, training and capacity-building programs.
Founder of Susie Green Consulting, she has previously held senior industry roles in the Adelaide Hills delivering complex projects, and served as director and chair on multiple boards. A recipient of the Apple & Pear Australia Ltd. National Women in Horticulture Award, Susie also holds a Bachelor in Agricultural Science and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
RDA Staff
STEPHEN SHOTTON
B.Sc., ACEcD
Steve is experienced in creation, growth and management of businesses across several industries including agriculture, aquaculture, technology, professional and environmental services. He is skilled in board directorship, entrepreneurship, raising capital, strategic planning, business operations, business development and sales, project management, culture building, systems and procedures, LEAN and relationship building at all levels.
He brings to RDA a wealth of knowledge across many industries, experience in rural and remote regions, an ability to network, think outside the box and look for win-win outcomes.
SARA O’DEA
& PROJECT OFFICER
Sara plays an integral part at RDA AHFKI. In addition to strong planning and organisational skills, Sara is unfailingly professional and courteous. Her integrity, commitment and hawkish attention to detail underpins the significant support she provides to the Director, Regional Development team, board, and staff.
These qualities, alongside a cheerful, enthusiastic demeanour, have allowed Sara to build authentic working relationships with key stakeholders across the business community and government.
Well-known, and well-respected, by her contemporaries, Sara has established herself as a key connector and all-round “go to” across the region. From organising calendar schedules, to workshops, or functions, her ability to multi-task and contingency plan ensures a seamless, efficient outcome in everything she does.
DAVID RIDLEY
David has extensive experience across both public and private
sectors, including entrepreneurship, directing non-profits, and working in
government. David brings a passion for leveraging human creativity
and collaboration to the role, to realise the region’s full potential.
With first-hand experience in founding and establishing a successful business within the region, David has a deep understanding of raising capital, economic development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.
He is passionate about using his skills and experiences to foster collaboration between government, business and the community to develop the region he lives in and
loves.
SANDRA MANN
Sandra brings extensive administrative and project support experience, having worked across multiple departments within local council, as well as in State Government and the private sector. Her well-rounded background provides strong insight into the needs of government, community, and business stakeholders.
Known for a proactive approach and strong organisational skills, Sandra also has a long history of volunteering with a local community organisation. This commitment underlines her passion for supporting the region. Currently stepping into the Executive Assistant role while Sara O’Dea is on maternity leave, she looks forward to supporting the team and contributing her energy and dedication to the role.
LEANNE LI
Leanne joined RDA in 2013, reporting to Director and the finance committee. In addition to holding a master’s degree in accounting and finance, Leanne is a CPA qualified accountant.
She works with external auditors to set up and improve our accounting procedures, keeps financial records for both office operation and various projects, prepares regular financial reports for both internal and external use. Her most outstanding job qualities are her reliable on-time reporting, problem-solving, well planned scheduling, and trustworthiness.
ANNA BUTLER
& MARKETING OFFICER
Anna brings more than 18 years’ copywriting, content creation and digital marketing experience to her role. She has a strong commitment to the region and helping local business thrive through their online presence. In conjunction with RDA, she has previously delivered education seminars around digital content and social media strategy to businesses across the Fleurieu, Adelaide Hills and Riverland. Anna has also worked with local business groups and Council on projects such as the Santos Tour Down Under, and developed the tagline for the Town of Strathalbyn’s updated branding.
Anna is responsible for our online communications and marketing, from creating our weekly newsletter and social content, to maintaining our website and writing media releases.