Regional Development Advisory Council

Professor Sheridan is Emeritus Professor 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 (UNE).

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.

Professor Sheridan 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.

Alison Stone is an executive leader with 40 years’ experience working across rural and regional communities in the public sector, board and advisory roles. Ms Stone specialises in land and infrastructure management and development, fire and emergency management and primary industries at state and national levels.

On 13 February 2025, Ms Stone was appointed as the first statutory NSW Agriculture Commissioner, working to safeguard the future of the agriculture industry.

Based in the Hunter region, Ms Stone is also the Chair of PrimeSafe (Victoria), and was previously a member of the Commonwealth Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council. Ms Stone holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from Melbourne University, and a Bachelor of Economics from Australian National University.

David Harding is Executive Director at Business NSW. In this role, he provides leadership and a voice to businesses across metropolitan and regional NSW. Mr Harding is experienced in policy and major project development working with all three levels of government.

Mr Harding is committed to strong economic and social outcomes for all NSW communities.  Mr Harding is a member of a range of not-for-profit, charities and government committees including the Modern Methods of Construction Taskforce and Engineering Aid Australia.

Phil Usher is a Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Gomeroi Country.  

Mr Usher is the CEO of First Nations Foundation, which works to build capacity and financial prosperity of Aboriginal organisations, businesses and communities.  

Mr Usher is a leading executive for business and cultural expertise with experience providing advice to industry and government sectors. He has held various leadership roles and has worked closely with Aboriginal communities in regional and remote communities throughout his career.  

Mr Usher is passionate about economic development and working alongside Aboriginal communities to improve financial self-determination. 

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

Based in South East NSW, and having strong connections to regional areas and communities, Mr McKeon has an extensive background in senior and executive management roles both in Australia and internationally.

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.