Our Board

The Commission’s Board meets regularly to set policy direction, approve major expenditure, and provide advice to the Minister on regional matters.

Board members are chosen based on ability at an executive level, a demonstrated involvement in either the economic or social development of the region, and the ability to work cooperatively to achieve agreed goals across a wide range of social and economic issues. Board members are confirmed by the Minister for Regional Development with terms ranging from one to three years.

The three categories for Board membership are community nominations, Local Government nominations, and Ministerial nominations.

	Mr Terry Hill (Chair) Terry Hill 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.
	Mr Simon Taylor (Chief Executive Officer) 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.
	Ms Anne Mitchell 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.
	Ms Wendy McWhirter-Brooks 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.
	Mr Daniel Scott 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.