OUR STAFF
Introducing our staff
TONY SIMPSON
Chief Executive Officer
Tony grew up in Regional North Western Australia and has been located in the Pilbara 3 years. Tony served as a Local Government Councillor from 2001-2005 and as a Local Member of Parliament from 2005 – 2017 where he had portfolio accountability for Local Government, Community Services, Seniors, Volunteering and Youth.
Tony has encompassed a range of strategic, tactical, and operational management accountabilities which has given him the opportunity to influence and impact the overall direction of an organisation whilst ensuring efficient and effective use of resources, budgets, and workforce productivity to maximise outcomes.
As a strong community minded person, Tony's belief is that those of us who choose to live and work in the Pilbara should not be disadvantaged, and should be afforded the same services and luxuries that those in other regions receive, especially as the Pilbara is the backbone of not only the West Australian economy, but the Australian economy.
p: 0427 191 272
TAMIKA FORDHAM
Office Manager
Tamika grew up in the Regional Western Australia Goldfields town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and has been located in the Pilbara for the last 3 years. Tamika has 8 years' experience in business administration, office management, account management, project administration and customer service. She has broad experience in accounts and administration across a number of different business'.
Tamika has a deep love for the Pilbara lifestyle and community and it is important to her to assist in the development of the local business', the community and the region as a whole. Tamika's passion is driven by outcomes and making a difference to the Pilbara community.
Tamika's role includes the executive assistant to CEO, Tony and is also responsible for management of the office including account and contract management. Tamika is responsible for the management of the West Pilbara Communities for Children Initiative and works closely with the Community Partners who deliver the community programmes.
e: officemanager@rdapilbara.org.au
m: 0427 191 848
NATALIE DRABBLE
Regional Development Officer
Natalie grew up in the southern suburbs of Perth and relocated to the Pilbara in 2020 with her family. Natalie has over 30 years' experience in office administration, customer service and case management across a range of different industries including mining, Commonwealth government services and education.
Natalie moved to the Pilbara with her husband to enjoy the relaxed and warm lifestyle and community the region has to offer. It is important to Natalie to be a part of the community and is invested in making a difference to the local Pilbara communities and business'.
Natalie's role at RDA Pilbara includes managing the Designated Area Migration Agreement which was executed in March 2022 which allows local business owner's to help address critical skilled labour shortages, the Drought Hub Node in Karratha and other administrative functions within RDA Pilbara project scopes.
m: 0499 325 584