Our board
QRIDA's Board of Directors are formally accountable to the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development for the performance of the organisation.
Board of Directors
It is the Board's role under the Act to ensure QRIDA performs its functions in an appropriate, effective and efficient way. The following is a complete list of QRIDA's Board of Directors.
Director and Chair - Caitlin McConnel
Caitlin McConnel is a sixth-generation farmer at Cressbrook Station near Toogoolawah, which is Queensland's oldest identified family business. A passionate advocate for climate-smart land management, regional resilience, and youth engagement in agriculture, Caitlin combines deep practical on-farm experience with a strong legal and governance background having worked as a litigator and environmental lawyer at Australian law firm Clayton Utz until December 2024.
Caitlin was appointed the first female chairperson of QRIDA in April 2025, and is also actively engaged in national industry conversations pertaining to climate resilience, multi-purpose land use and food security as a guest speaker, and through roles with Cattle Australia and the Queensland Law Society.
In 2024, Caitlin was recognised as one of the most influential lawyers in Australasia for her extraordinary impact on the profession, was an Australian finalist for the 2024 Zanda McDonald Award, and was awarded the St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School Young Past Student of Distinction Award. In 2025, Caitlin was recognised as one of Queensland's 40 Under 40, also receiving the Rural & Regional Award which is presented to a finalise who demonstrates influence and leadership in contributing to the prosperity of a rural or regional business and community.
Director - Drew Ellem
Drew was appointed Deputy Under Treasurer on 1 August 2025.
In addition to previously undertaking a range of senior executive positions in Treasury, Drew has undertaken senior executive roles in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Education.
He currently has responsibility for leading Treasury’s Corporate, Cabinet Legislation and Liaison Office, Strategic Communications and Strategic Information functions. Drew is also a Director with Queensland Treasury Holdings Pty Ltd.
Director - Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is the Deputy Director-General for Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development within the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. Jason has 25 years’ experience in the public service, including frontline and community-based service delivery, program development, project and grants management, statutory oversight and strategic policy and legislation positions.
Throughout his career, Jason has shown a strong commitment to working with communities to drive place-based development opportunities and responsive government that meets local community needs and aspirations.
Director - Ari McCamley
Ari McCamley is a co-leader of the agriculture team for the Queensland-based law firm, Thynne + Macartney. He has degrees in Commerce and Law, and a record of industry and community involvement, including as a Director of RNA Foundation Limited and a member of Agforce Policy Committees.
Director - Danica Olsen
Danica Olsen is an experienced leader with a passion for driving positive growth and change in Regional QLD. With a strong background in business strategy and governance, Danica brings a wealth of knowledge in, financial oversight, governance and stakeholder engagement. With 22 years experience in various Banking roles Danica currently resides in Townsville Looking after ANZ Private Bank for NQ and NT Regions.
As a member of the QRIDA Board, Danica is excited to contribute her skills in strategic direction and policy development to help QRIDA continue to empower Queensland’s farmers and businesses to thrive. Her vision aligns with QRIDA’s mission of promoting sustainable growth and ensuring access to critical resources and funding for regional communities.
Director - Scott Spencer
Joining the QRIDA Board in 2020, Scott Spencer is currently a Commissioner on the Australian Fisheries Management Commission and has held the position of Deputy Director-General of Fisheries and Forestry at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (now Department of Primary Industries), as well as Director-General of the Department of Natural Resources and Water (now Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development), and served as the Chair of the Biosecurity Queensland Ministerial Advisory Council and Sunwater Limited.
Scott brings extensive experience in strategic policy development and implementation and knowledge of management of natural resources, Australia’s water resources and primary industries.
Director - Bruce Vandersee
Bruce Vandersee was the CEO of Vanderfield Pty Ltd and is now Director of Vanderfield/RDO Equipment Pty Ltd – a major supplier of John Deere equipment. From Toowoomba, Bruce has strategic and business planning skills and has held other board positions in the agribusiness sector.
