The Regional Australia Institute team have a wealth of experience in regional research, policy-making and community consultation.
The RAI team works under the strategic direction of the Board and in conjunction with input from the Research Advisory Committee and Research Fellows.
Meet the team below.
Jack Archer
Chief Executive Officer
BNatResMgt(Hons), GAICD
Jack has worked with the RAI since its inception in 2012 and was appointed CEO in July 2015.
Kim Houghton
General Manager Policy and Research
BSc(Hons), PhD(Econ)
Kim manages the RAI’s policy and research portfolio to ensure the Institute’s work has practical application and supports a better policy environment and more vibrant regional economies.
David Spear
General Manager Partnerships & Communications
MBA, BAProdDsgn(Hons)
David has a strong track record as an innovator, strategist, leader and senior executive level manager in several Australian not for profit and private sector organisations.
DR LEONIE PEARSON
Leader, Major Research Projects (Economist)
BSc(Hons), PhD, GAICD
Leonie leads the RAI’s major research projects.
JULIE ANDERSON
Business Manager
Julie is Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Board, and provides support to the RAI research team.
RICHARD BEATON
Senior Data Analyst
BA(computer Science)
Richard administers our research database and bring a creative approach to data analysis.
SHANNON RENNIE
Digital Media and Communications Coordinator
BA(GraphicDsgn), MLA
Shannon creates visual material to complement the work of the RAI and ensures all content is presented in a memorable and easily digestible format.
DR KYLIE BOURNE
Senior Research Assistant
BA, MAE, PhD (with Distinction)
Kylie is a researcher with extensive experience in knowledge brokering and research communication.
She has worked in the policy space across the public, not-for-profit and higher education sectors.
Kylie has published academic research and media commentary on a variety of social and public policy related issues.Kylie is passionate about regional issues. She lives in regional Australia and volunteers as an Ethics teacher and coordinator in NSW schools in the Yass Valley region.
EMILY LONGSTAFF
Senior Research Assistant
BA(Hons), MCDArtDes
Emily helps coordinate and produce the broad range of the RAI’s policy and research outputs.
BEN VONTHETHOFF
Researcher
BEc, BA(Hons)
As a Researcher, Ben contributes to the delivery of high profile projects across RAI’s research agenda.
ANDREW NASH
Research Assistant
BEc
Andrew provides research support in the delivery of high profile projects across RAI’s research agenda.
GERALDYNE HOW
Research Assistant
BComm, BSc(Hons), MEnv
As a Research Assistant, Geraldyne provides research support and contributes to work across a range of RAI’s research and policy projects.
DELGERNARAN TUMURTOGOO
Research Assistant
BEs
Delgernaran contributes to regional development research projects and studies of transitioning regional economics.
