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.
Dr 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.
LYNNE DUCKHAM OAM
Leader, Regions in Transition
BA, MBA, AFiML (ANZ)
Lynne has spent over twenty years in strategic multi-sector and multicultural leadership roles. She has extensive Australian and international experience, working with and linking governments, industry, not-for-profit organizations, researchers and communities. Lynne is bringing her regional experience to lead the Regions in Transition major research project as part of RAI’s new shared inquiry program.
JULIE ANDERSON
Business Manager
Julie provides executive support to the CEO, Board and committees, and assists with event management, governance and financial matters.
STEVE GLEESON
Leader, Corporate and Regional Partnerships
Steve’s background includes agribusiness and innovation startups, with experience in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Originally from the Western Districts of Victoria, he is now based in Geelong and continues to activate economic development in regional Australia.
RICHARD BEATON
Senior Data Analyst
BA(computer Science)
Richard administers our research database and brings a creative approach to data analysis.
SHANNON RENNIE
Digital Media and Communications Manager
BA(GraphicDsgn), MLA
Shannon has a background in graphic design and communications. Hailing from the Riverina in NSW, she has a keen interest in regional issues and a passion for sharing the positive stories of the people that call our regions home.
DR KYLIE BOURNE
Senior Researcher
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.
DR EMILY LONGSTAFF
Senior Researcher
BA(Hons), PhD (Socy)
Emily helps coordinate and produce the broad range of the RAI’s policy and research outputs.
HAYLEY ACHURCH
Senior Researcher
BSc(EnvBio) (Hons), BInterdis(Sust), GradCert(PA)
Hayley uses her experience in government and research to deliver a broad range of applied research projects which inform national, state and local government policies.
BEN VONTHETHOFF
Researcher
BEc, BA(Hons)
As a Researcher, Ben contributes to 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.
NINA DAVIS
Graphic Designer & Communications Assistant
B GraphicDes
Nina creates visual material to complement the work of the RAI and ensures all content is presented in a memorable and easily digestible format.
AMANDA BARWICK
Editor-in-Chief
BBus (Major in Journalism)
Amanda is a media professional with more than 20 years industry experience across Australia. Having worked for media organisations, government, industry groups and agri-political organisations, Amanda has a true passion for, and understands, regional Australia.
KEVIN LE
Researcher – Data Analytics
BSc(Adv)(Hons),MEc
Kevin does economic analysis using traditional and new data analytics techniques and contributes to work across a range of RAI’s research and policy projects.
DR JUDE WALKER
Leader, Future Regional Jobs
Dr. Jude Walker leads the Regional Australia Institute’s Future of Jobs and Workforce Development in Regional Australia Inquiry Program. As well, she runs her own consultancy business, FutureWorking, which specialises in demography, labour market research and analysis, and strategic foresight.
