Prior to this appointment, Tim held a global role as VP for the Resource Centre of Excellence and Legacy Assets, based in Perth.   ​ Tim has an extensive understanding of the resources industry with 25 years of experience in iron ore and coal operations, mine planning and technical, resource engineering, maintenance, new mine design, construction, and site commissioning. A major focus of his working career has been integrating technology into operations to improve safety and productivity.  ​ Tim has held multiple Vice President and General Manager roles within BHP and has started two mine sites within the iron ore sector. He is passionate about creating strong, high performance work cultures with demonstrated delivery of results and a bias towards excellence in productivity. ​ Tim was born in Queensland and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2000 with a Bachelor of Engineering, Mining Honours.

Stephen was born in Dublin and migrated to Australia in 1989 with his family. He has been a Chief of Staff to a number of Government Ministers in Western Australia and Victoria and worked with the Trade Union movement. Prior to being elected to represent Western Australia’s Mining & Pastoral Region in 2013 he was the WA State Manager for Essential Media Communications. In 2017, Stephen was elected as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council - a role he continues to hold - and was appointed as the Minister for Environment and Disability Services. Stephen’s current portfolios include Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and the Digital Economy; Science; Medical Research and Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade. Stephen is a Life Member of Pride WA.

Evette Smeathers is the Executive General Manager of Horizon Power’s Customer and Community division, which encompasses end-to-end customer servicing, commercial accounts, community engagement, marketing, digital experience, and customer project delivery.  She has held roles spanning the full energy value chain during her nineteen years in the industry, and embodies Horizon Power’s regional business model, covering Horizon Power’s entire service area from her hometown of Karratha.  Evette has also held numerous board and committee roles including twelve years as a Councillor at the City of Karratha and Chair of their Audit and Risk Committee. She is passionate about ensuring that the customer is at the core of decision making and focused on enabling equitable access to renewable energy.

John Brereton is the General Manager, Hedland Operations at Fortescue. With a focus on leading high-performing teams and driving change, he has been instrumental in safely delivering operations, maintenance functions and the decarbonisation transition, across both port and rail, since April 2023. John commenced his career within the health sector and has completed a Masters of Medical Science at UWA, along with Bachelor of Health Science and Post Graduate Diplomas in Critical Care and Occupational Health and Safety. With 17 years’ experience across the construction and resource sectors, John has dedicated the last decade to Fortescue, holding several senior leadership positions, including GM Health and Safety Iron Ore, GM Health and Safety Projects, and Health and Safety Manager Hedland Operations.

Tracey Cuttriss-Smith is a visionary leader and the driving force behind C-Res, an organisation that delivers BHP’s Local Buying Program and administers the Local Buying Foundation across BHP Minerals Australia regions in Australia. From her roots in Emerald, Central Queensland, Tracey has expanded C-Res from a humble two-person team into a national entity of 30+ staff, which has facilitated over $1 billion in work packages for small, local, and Indigenous businesses and directed more than $12 million into business development initiatives through the Local Buying Foundation. A passionate advocate for empowering regional businesses and economies, Tracey’s leadership has strengthened and created opportunities for economic growth across Australia. The Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation continue to drive sustainable business practices and thriving local economies, ensuring that both businesses and their communities benefit from long-term success.

Paul is an experienced project executive with an extensive career in the resources industry, successfully delivering complex studies and projects in both a brownfield and greenfield environment. Paul has a strong track record of success, leading all aspects of project management with a strong focus on safety, budget, time and cost. Prior to joining Pilbara Minerals, Paul played a lead role in successfully delivering major and mega projects including Roy Hill Iron Ore.

Kitty is the CEO of the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry of WA.  Kitty has previously held the positions of Presidents of both the RCCIWA (2005 – 2010) and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder CCI (2003-2005) and has owned two small businesses in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the first one at the age of 21.  Kitty’s involvement with a regional Chamber of Commerce began in 1991, and she is a strong and driven advocate for regional business communities. Kitty is a past  Chair of the board of the Small Business Development Corporation and currently sits on the General Council of CCIWA and is a Non – Executive Director on the board of Keystart Home Loans and the Country Housing Authority.

Lee Furness has decades of experience in Government and non-Government organisations developing and implementing strategic planning initiatives. Project planning, governance and project management are her key areas of expertise. Her strengths are in developing innovative strategies to deliver quality outcomes and a commitment to collaboration to achieve strong results. ​ Lee has been the Town of Port Hedland’s Director of Infrastructure since December 2019. With substantial experience in project planning, governance and project management, Lee drives the Town’s delivery of key strategic infrastructure projects. Lee’s team has successfully completed infrastructure projects worth hundreds of millions and is now planning for the next phase of growth with substantial capital investment planned over the next 15 years.

Kylie Davies is an experienced Planning professional with a proven track record in both the state and local government planning sectors and the private sector. Specialising in urban and regional planning, Kylie has driven diverse and complex projects, demonstrating a strong ability to deliver outcome-focused solutions through effective collaboration and problem-solving. ​ In addition to public sector expertise, Kylie has extensive experience in the private sector, notably delivering large-scale aquaculture projects. This unique exposure to major private initiatives complements a comprehensive understanding of planning and regulatory frameworks, providing a holistic approach to project management and delivery. ​ A qualified legal practitioner, Kylie also brings a wealth of experience in Property Law, Body Corporate Law, Dispute Resolution, and Corporate Governance. With additional expertise in commercial property transactions and leasing agreements, Kylie offers a well-rounded skill set that drives operational success across a range of areas. ​ Holding a bachelor’s degree in Law from James Cook University, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, Kylie is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of regulatory services. Currently a member of a number of professional associations and undertaking her Masters in Business Administration further highlights a commitment to professional standards and continuous learning. ​ With a passion for leadership and organisational development, delivering regulatory frameworks that foster sustainable development and compliance, Kylie excels in guiding both public and private sector projects to success, ensuring community growth and environmental sustainability.

Neil is an experienced executive with nearly three decades of experience in managing health, safety, environmental, and community-related risks. His career spans multiple geographies, including Europe, Asia and Africa, where he has led ESG transformations in responsible organisations. As a qualified Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer, Neil began his career with major consulting firms across various global locations, developing his expertise in environmental and geotechnical engineering. His dedication to sustainability was demonstrated during his tenure as Group Sustainability Manager at Iluka Resources, where he led the company’s climate change response and the development of decarbonisation plans. He also managed environmental and social governance for the USD 14 billion New Manila International Airport development in the Philippines. Currently, Neil serves as the Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at De Grey Mining, a premier gold company focused on developing and growing its Hemi Gold Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In this role, he oversees sustainability and risk management strategies for this Tier-1 gold discovery with an estimated 10.5 million ounces, located 85km south of Port Hedland. Neil’s extensive experience and strategic vision, with the community always at the forefront of his mind, make him a key figure in advancing sustainable development and managing risk for the Hemi Gold Project.

“Helping people turn stars into constellations,” is Jessica Simpson’s personal purpose. As Global Head of Indigenous & Local procurement, Jess is a strong believer in seeing the interconnectedness between processes, people and systems to achieve outstanding results.  ​ Growing up in Gladstone, an industrial powerhouse, and the daughter of small business owners, Jess saw the challenges and the opportunities the resources industry provided regional communities. ​ After her time as a radio journalist, over her 18 years in the resources sector with Rio Tinto and BHP Jess has held an incredibly diverse group of roles. These have included BHP Group Communities Manager, Value Chain Automation CA Manager, Head of Pandemic Response, Head of Procurement BMA and now accountable for the global strategy and direction for Indigenous & Local procurement.  Jess has been recognised as a finalist in the Outstanding Woman in Queensland Resources Awards and holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Queensland, Grad Cert in behavioural community relations also from UQ and is a graduate of Asialink Business Leaders Program at Melbourne Business School.  ​ She is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, is a Jasper and Embrace sponsor, mentors multiple aspiring female leaders and sits on several boards. Jess’ partner Nick works in mining also and they have two children Evelyn (9) and Riley (6).

Claire Boyce has been a proud resident of Hedland since 2012, a community advocate with extensive experience in management and leadership. Holding an MBA and a BA in Economics, her career has taken her from Ireland to Australia. After moving to Australia, Claire held key management roles in Port Hedland, including serving as the CEO of the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce, where she led initiatives to support local businesses and foster entrepreneurship. As co-owner of Everything Earth, a civil and earthmoving company in Port Hedland, Claire is dedicated to her community. Her company actively supports local nonprofits and sporting clubs, reinforcing her commitment to community strength. In addition to her business, Claire serves on the boards of the Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation and The Junction Co., reflecting her ongoing passion for community development.

Mr Carter was first elected to the Town of Port Hedland Council in 2017. In October 2020 he was elected Mayor. Originally from regional Victoria, Mr Carter lived in Perth for 20 years before relocating to the Pilbara. He has lived in Port Hedland for the last 15 years. Mr Carter is passionate about business and economic development, having owned his own photography businesses both in Perth and the Pilbara. His enthusiasm for business led him to take up the role of president of the chamber of commerce in 2018. Mr Carter is passionate about improving the liveability of Hedland to support the continued economic growth of the Town. In his role as mayor, he is committed to advocating to both State and Federal Government for adequate funding and resources to address the Town’s key issues.

Brice Oliver is a dedicated local businessperson and the founder of Pressure Force, a leading provider of cleaning solutions along the Pilbara coast. With a team of 30 skilled technicians, Pressure Force is committed to delivering exceptional customer outcomes. Brice’s passion for lean management operating systems has been a driving force behind the company’s efficiency and success. His innovative approach ensures that Pressure Force remains at the forefront of the industry, consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations. Beyond his business endeavours, Brice is a fervent advocate for local businesses in the Pilbara. He actively supports leadership and business development initiatives, believing in the power of community and collaboration to drive regional growth. Brice’s dedication to fostering a thriving local economy is evident in his continuous efforts to mentor and support fellow entrepreneurs. His commitment to the Pilbara community and his visionary business goals make him a respected and influential figure in the region.

Simon Taylor joined the Commission in March 2024 and has lived in the Pilbara for the last five years, undertaking senior executive roles within the Department of Communities and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. He also has extensive experience in central government roles having worked at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet between 2007 and 2018. Mr Taylor has significant leadership experience in regional service delivery, policy development and whole of government project design and implementation. He holds an executive Masters in Public Administration and Bachelor of Laws and Sustainable Development. He has a passion for the Pilbara and the role of community engagement, collaboration and local, state and national government working together to deliver positive economic and social outcomes.

As the General Manager of POSCO-Western Australia, Troy's key focus is to foster POSCO's present and future business in Western Australia. Since Joining POSCO, the leading steel maker of Republic of Korea in 2010, Troy has been involved with raw materials investment such as the Roy Hill project and global procurement of iron ore and nickel. Troy has a personal belief that stronger relationship between the Republic of Korea and Western Australia will be critical in leading the regional transition to low-carbon economy and that the two jurisdictions are the perfect partners. Troy has been in Perth for almost 3 years and calls Perth his second home with great pride.

David Eaton is Western Australia’s Small Business Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC). In this dual role, he is responsible for the broad range of services delivered by the SBDC to support Western Australian small businesses, and representing the interests of the sector to all tiers of government. David is the longest serving Small Business Commissioner in Australia and has extensive business management experience. He holds a Masters in Business Administration (UWA), is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and a Board member of the Australian Institute of Management (WA) and Curtin University Law School. David was awarded a Public Service Medal in the 2023 Australia Day Honours list for outstanding service to small business development, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nick joined Pilbara Ports in August 2019 as a Mechanical Supervisor and is currently acting in the General Manager Terminal Operations role. Nick is a qualified mechanical tradesperson with over 18 years’ experience in safe and efficient execution of mechanical maintenance, fixed plant shutdowns, terminal operations and project management with a focus on customer service and productivity improvements. Nick and his family have lived in Port Hedland for the last 14 years and he is active in the local community.

James Foley is the Integration Manager for the Australian Renewable Energy Hub and is responsible for moving the project closer to commercialisation. This involves the development of wind and solar generation assets, transmission and pipeline infrastructure, industrial facilities, and export infrastructure. A critical part of the role involves working with internal project teams, government agencies and other key stakeholders. Having worked at bp since graduating, James started his career at the Kwinana Refinery working in a variety of engineering roles supporting plant operations. James then transitioned to project manager at Kwinana, managing cross functional engineering and operational teams to deliver projects. He moved to a commercial analyst role in the bp Hydrogen team at the start of 2021 and later that year, moved into bp’s GERI Project before transitioning to AREH. James holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Curtin University and completed a Master of Business Administration with Distinction at the University of Western Australia. James is a proud Fremantle Dockers supporter and enjoys the outdoors and keeping fit. He is recently married and enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures.

Jacinta Barnett has over 20 years leadership experience in the resources sector across exploration, mining, processing, rail, and ports. She has worked in coal, gold, iron ore, aluminium and now is the Manager Operations for Dampier Salt Ltd in Port Hedland. She has worked on significant change projects for Rio Tinto: Yarwun Alumina Refinery, first alumina project in over 30years in Australia; first wet process plant design for Yandi iron ore, Mainline operations Superintendent during implementation of Autohaul in Rio Tinto Rail; Rail Network Renewals Manager during the ramp up of the track renewals program; and Manager Facilities Transformation designing the FIFO Resident Experience improvement program for Rio Tinto’s 17’000 bed FIFO camps. She also supports developing women and indigenous people into the resources sector, and is an active mentor, having been involved in the Australian Railways Association Women in Rail Mentoring program, NAWO Mentor, UWA’s Girls in Engineering Mentor, and Indigenous Two Way Mentoring for Rio Tinto. Having lived residential her whole working career, thriving communities are a passion for Jacinta, both through work and in her personal time. Jacinta has spent 5 years on the Board for EPIC – a not for profit community service organisation in the Pilbara and Goldfields, her last 2 years as the Vice Chair. Now Jacinta is supporting the Pilbara Kimberley Universities Centre as a board member and looks forward to seeing the organisation continue to grow and provide tertiary opportunities for those in regional WA that may not have otherwise had access.