Our Board  

Terry ill has held a number of senior roles in the Western Australian government, and at a national level. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a Masters in Agribusiness and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Simon joined the Commission as the Chief Executive Officer in March 2024 and has lived in the Pilbara for the last five years undertaking senior executive roles with the Departments of Communities and Water and Environmental Regulation.  He also worked extensively in central government. Mr Taylor has significant leadership experience in regional service delivery, policy development and whole of government project design and implementation. Simon holds an Executive Master’s in Public Administration from Curtin University, which he completed through the Australian and New Zealand School of Government, and Bachelor degrees in Law and Sustainable Development from Murdoch University.

Simon has a passion for the Pilbara and the role of community engagement, collaboration and joined-up government in delivering positive economic and community outcomes. At a personal level, Simon has a passion for living and working in the Pilbara and enjoys the incredible kayaking, diving and other adventures the region has to offer.

Wendy McWhirter-Brooks has decades of experience in agriculture, education and community development as an agricultural enterprise operator and a teacher. She is currently the Deputy President of the Shire of East Pilbara and is a member of a number of committees and Boards including the Pilbara/Kimberley JDAP Committee, Pilbara Tourism Association, North West and Northern Territory Advisory Committee, and is currently the Chair of the Marble Bar CRC. Living in Marble Bar in the Shire of East Pilbara, Ms McWhirter-Brooks is passionate about maximising opportunities for young people in regional WA, and helping to create better social, cultural and economic opportunities for people in the Pilbara.

Anne Mitchell is a Pitjikarli and Njamal woman, who joins the PDC Board, bringing experience as a member of Aboriginal-organisation Boards and inter-agency committees in the Pilbara.

Mr Scott was born and raised in the Pilbara, spending his childhood in Dampier and the last 14 years in Karratha. He is the Director of North West Brewing Company and has served as a City of Karratha Councillor for the past 8 years and was recently elected as Karratha’s first publicly elected Mayor.

He has a rich background in economic development, strategic planning, and community engagement. Mr Scott’s understanding of the Pilbara's unique landscape is enhanced by his appreciation for its potential in driving economic prosperity and diversification, and his commitment to the Pilbara community is shown through his active involvement in local initiatives, highlighting Mr Scott’s community-focused mindset. Mr Scott’s vision for the Pilbara includes its economic transformation and the enhancement of its liveability and sustainability, promising a future where the region is recognised for its dynamic, diversified economy and vibrant community life.

Alana Sullivan has extensive experience in regional leadership, community development and the resources sector, with a strong focus on strengthening economic and social outcomes across remote communities.

Through her work in local government, Alana has been actively involved in strategic planning, infrastructure advocacy and regional service delivery, and is committed to ensuring strong governance and sustainable growth across the Pilbara.

She is passionate about promoting wellbeing, inclusion and equity across the community, ensuring regional development delivers meaningful opportunities for all people living in the Pilbara. She also recognises the deep connection Aboriginal people have to Country and is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal wellbeing and opportunity across the region.

Alana is a strong advocate for local economic development and small business resilience, recognising the important role local enterprises play in building vibrant and sustainable regional communities. With a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities, Alana brings practical leadership and governance experience to the Pilbara Development Commission Board.

Originally from Port Hedland, Byron Klein grew up on a farm in regional South Australia, where he developed a deep appreciation for the importance of regional Australia. His rural upbringing and remote living background inspired a strong commitment to delivering quality and equitable health care beyond the cities.   

Byron and his young family are proud to call Port Hedland home. As a local business owner, he is passionate about contributing to the economic strength and liveability of the Pilbara. Through his leadership of an independent small business and active engagement in the community, Byron brings a practical, solutions focused perspective, shaped by first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities facing the Pilbara.