Our Staff
Kate O'Mara
CEO/Director of Regional Development
Kate was appointed CEO of RDA Hunter in February 2025. She has a has a particular interest in identifying, building on and raising awareness of the Hunter’s competitive strengths and has worked in various capacities with RDA Hunter since it began in 2009.
Most recently she led the development of RDA Hunter’s regionally significant Health & Medtech Industry Cluster (HMIC) which continues to be a lead project for the organisation.
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Kate was appointed CEO of RDA Hunter in February 2025. She has a has a particular interest in identifying, building on and raising awareness of the Hunter’s competitive strengths and has worked in various capacities with RDA Hunter since it began in 2009.
Most recently she led the development of RDA Hunter’s regionally significant Health & Medtech Industry Cluster (HMIC) which continues to be a lead project for the organisation.
As RDA Hunter’s former Director of Projects & Communications, Kate developed and delivered economic development, industry growth, innovation, regional marketing, workforce development and corporate communications initiatives. Projects included Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Hunter Region; Hunter Innovation Festivals and Scorecards; Study Hunter and Smart Happens Here.
Prior to joining RDA Hunter, Kate was employed by the NSW Government’s economic development organisation, the Hunter Economic Development Corporation. In this role she implemented trade and investment activities as part of the $1 million government funded strategy to diversify the Hunter region’s economy and industrial base in the lead up to and following the cessation of steelmaking in the Region in 1999.
Eloise Murdoch
Administrative Services Manager
Eloise joins RDA Hunter as Administrative Services Manager, bringing to the team a strong background in administration and business support.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to supporting efficient operations, she plays a key role in facilitating day-to-day office functions and supporting smooth communication
across the organisation.
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Eloise joins RDA Hunter as Administrative Services Manager, bringing to the team a strong background in administration and business support.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to supporting efficient operations, she plays a key role in facilitating day-to-day office functions and supporting smooth communication
across the organisation.
Having spent several years living overseas, Eloise brings a broad perspective and ability to navigate diverse environments to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys playing hockey and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Chris Tola
Manager, Skilled Workforce Programs
Chris joined the team at RDA Hunter to manage the ME Program that encourages students to develop their skills in STEM, with the view of seeking employment in the Hunter.
Chris has a long and valued association with community development, and previous roles include employment in Local Government, Commercial organisations and Philanthropic Trusts, along with several Board memberships.
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Chris joined the team at RDA Hunter to manage the ME Program that encourages students to develop their skills in STEM, with the view of seeking employment in the Hunter.
Chris has a long and valued association with community development, and previous roles include employment in Local Government, Commercial organisations and Philanthropic Trusts, along with several Board memberships.
Out of the office, Chris is a keen surfer and infrequent motorcyclist and active on a number of local and national Boards and Committees.
Chris is a Humanities Graduate from the University of Newcastle, publisher of “Surfing Roadies” and “The Newcastle Book” and father to three daughters.
Brodie McNaughton
Project Officer, ME Program
Brodie joined RDA Hunter in the role of Project Officer for the ME Program early in 2023. Brodie has extensive experience in the retail industry which he gained while studying and successfully completing a Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle.
When not at work, Brodie spends time playing a range of sports, and sharing time with family and friends.
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Brodie joined RDA Hunter in the role of Project Officer for the ME Program early in 2023.
Brodie has extensive experience in the retail industry which he gained while studying and successfully completing a Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle.
When not at work, Brodie spends time playing a range of sports, and sharing time with family and friends
