Regional Development Advisory Council

Professor Sheridan is Professor Emeritus at the University of New England (UNE). Professor Sheridan holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons) from the University of Sydney and PhD in Management from the University of New England.

Professor Sheridan has been based in regional NSW for 35 years and was previously head of UNE’s Business School. In this role she led the establishment of the UNE Smart Region Incubator and co-led the development of the Master of Economic and Regional Development course. Professor Sheridan is currently a director of Regional Australia Bank and Homes North Community Housing.

She has published more than 100 peer reviewed papers and co-authored the book Entrepreneurship in Regional Communities. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Life Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management.

Thomas (Tom) McKeon is an accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the agriculture, asset, and investment management industries.

Based in South East NSW, Mr McKeon has a strong background in senior and executive management roles within largescale corporate agricultural companies, both in Australia and internationally.

Alison Stone’s experience in the public sector included roles as First Assistant Secretary at the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and as Deputy Director General of Land and Natural Resources at the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Ms Stone is currently Chair of PrimeSafe in Victoria and was previously a member of the Commonwealth Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council and on the NSW Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Trust.  Ms Stone holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from Melbourne University and a Bachelor of Economics from ANU.

Carol Vale is a Dunghutti Woman from Armidale, NSW and has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians. She is the co-Founder and CEO of Murawin, a national professional advisory service specialising in social research, evaluation, place strategy and sustainability.

Ms Vale is a Sociologist and has an extensive career working in the realm of Indigenous affairs with the intentional purpose of strategically integrating Indigenous voices into her projects. She has extensive experience in regional development and social planning and is a current member of the Planning Institute of Australia’s Cultural Knowledge Circle.  Ms Vale is a highly qualified and experienced individual with tertiary qualifications in public policy, sociology and Indigenous affairs.

Danica Leys is an admitted solicitor in New South Wales and current Chief Executive of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW, which has a base of over 8,000 members. She is also an operator of a farming business in North West NSW.

Ms Leys is a board member for Greater Sydney Local Land Services and is a member of the NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council. She has previously held board positions with Australian Women in Agriculture Limited, AgChatOZ Incorporated and The University of Sydney Agriculture Alumni Association. Ms Leys previously worked as an agronomist and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (Honours) from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England. Ms Leys is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dianna Somerville is Chairperson of Regional Development Australia Riverina. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defence Force Academy University of New South Wales.

Mrs Somerville has extensive experience working across the public and not-for-profit sectors including with defence industries. Dianna has lectured in entrepreneurship and been involved with economic development in regional communities.

Mrs Somerville has been nominated as a suitable appointee by the Australian Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP. 

Steve has been serving as the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development since April 2024.

He brings with him a wealth of experience from his extensive career in the public sector in roles that have served regional communities and primary producers across NSW.

Prior to commencing as Secretary for the Department, Steve was the Chief Executive Officer of Local Lands Services, where he managed a team of over 900 employees dedicated to supporting landowners and safeguarding the agricultural and environmental future of NSW communities.

Steve has extensive experience in a range of senior leadership roles across the sector including setting up and running the corporate services functions for the Department, economic recovery efforts for regional NSW communities following natural disaster events, and regional coordination in the Department of Premier and Cabinet. He has also led key reforms in local government and served as the Chief Executive of the NSW Livestock Health and Pest Authorities.

Steve holds a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours from the University of Western Sydney. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Beyond his professional life, Steve enjoys spending time at his home in Berry on the south coast, with his wife Leanne and children, Sam, Patrick, and Rachael.