The Board is supported by a team with extensive government and private sector experience in regional economic and community development.

Project Managers have a primary economic development role and region-wide responsibilities to the following key activity areas:

  • Economic Development
  • Tourism Development
  • Indigenous Economic Development
  • Workforce
  • Business Development
  • Special Projects

Ryan Viney
Chief Executive Officer/Director Regional Development
Email:  ryan.viney@rdaep.org.au 
Mobile:  0407 976 156

Ryan was appointed CEO of Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula in December 2021 and is responsible for facilitating economic development and promoting the region by supporting industry growth, infrastructure investment and job creation; developing partnerships and networks; and providing advocacy, leadership, and coordination under the RDA umbrella. With tertiary qualifications in both Environment Management and Urban and Regional Town Planning, Ryan has over 10 years of experience in senior positions in local government, including roles at the Local Government Association of South Australia, Zero Waste SA, Barossa and Light Regional Economic Development Board, and more recently as a member of the Executive Management Team at the Town of Gawler.

Trevor Smith
Economic Development Manager
Email:  trevor.smith@rdaep.org.au
Mobile:  0408 948 634

Master of Business Administration | Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Trevor joined RDAEP after a 30 year career in local government across Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia including CEO positions. He is committed to the future of the Eyre Peninsula, serving as Chair of Tumby Bay Homes and a Councillor on the District Council of Tumby Bay. He is also a Board member of the Eyre and Far North Local Health Network. Trevor lives in Tumby Bay where he is Secretary of the Tumby Bay Bowling Club.

Richard Horgan
Economic Development Manager
Email:  richard.horgan@rdaep.org.au
Mobile:  0428 134 960.

Richard is a former teacher and Deputy Principal with over 27 years of experience in Eyre Peninsula, Whyalla, Darwin, and Port Lincoln. He then worked as the Regional Manager for TAFE SA before moving to Melbourne to work for the Victorian Government, with a focus on connecting industry and the training system. In 2023, he returned to Eyre Peninsula as Economic Development Manager with RDAEP, aiming to use his knowledge and understanding of the region to build relationships with the community, industry, and government to maximise investment and leave a legacy for future generations.

Howard Coote
Indigenous Economic Development Manager
Email:  howard.coote@rdaep.org.au
Mobile:  0429 672 400

Howard started his career in banking and finance, working with organisations such as The Bank of Adelaide, and Custom Credit Corporation. He completed a Diploma in Marketing with Hay and Associates (USA) and eventually owned and operated his own retail business. He later became the CEO of the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community Council Inc., where he recognised the importance of economic development for Aboriginal organisations and individuals. RDAEP has engaged Howard in this role for a number of years.

Casey Peters
Regional Tourism Development Officer
Email:  casey.peters@rdaep.org.au
Mobile:  0499 429 324

Casey joined the RDAEP team as Regional Workforce Coordinator after completing her Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Events Management) from the University of South Australia in 2021. She left RDAEP in April 2022 to travel and work in Western Australia for over a year before returning to support implementation of the new Eyre brand and to coordinate the Eyre Peninsula Regional Leadership Program. Before joining RDAEP, Casey worked as an SSO supporting students with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Tamsin Scholz
Regional Workforce Coordinator
Email:  tamsin.scholz@rdaep.org.au
Mobile:  0498 826 453

Tamsin was born and raised in Wudinna on the Eyre Peninsula and went on to study at the University of South Australia. She has previously worked in government and not-for-profit organisations in Adelaide, Vancouver, and London, as well as a stint with RDAEP in 2018/19. Tamsin returned to Eyre Peninsula from the UK in 2021 and returned to work with RDAEP, taking on various project roles.

Roger Paul
Manager Corporate Services
Email:  roger.paul@rdaep.org.au
Mobile:  0468 348 501

Roger is a CPA with over 40 years of experience in management, finance, and accounting having worked in various industries including public accounting, construction, education, and not-for-profit Indigenous community organisations. He has also volunteered his services on the boards of several organisations and currently assists mentees through the CPA Australia Mentoring Program.

Wendy Ettridge
Executive Assistant
Email:  wendy.ettridge@rdaep.org.au
Phone:  08 8682 6588

Wendy has been a part of the RDAEP team for 4 years, providing high level confidential executive support to the Board and CEO ensuring effective and professional operation of the Board’s administrative and governance requirements. She has had extensive experience working in local government here on Eyre Peninsula and in Darwin, also spending 3 years working for the Queensland Department of Local Government in the regional office in Cairns before returning to her roots here on the Eyre Peninsula.

Sue Henriksen
Business Support Officer
Email:  sue.henriksen@rdaep.org.au
Phone:  08 8682 6588

Sue has spent her working career primarily in administration and finance. Her tenure with RDAEP spans a decade, providing a robust understanding of the organisation’s objectives and operations. She has a passion for Eyre Peninsula and having lived and worked in the region for most of her life, has an extensive understanding of the area’s unique challenges and strengths.