RDA Moreton Bay announces new CEO

By Ella Bradford

Sorita McGrane has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay (RDA Moreton Bay).

She took on the role in early August with experience in regional and economic development in local and state government.

Sorita and her husband moved to Moreton Bay in 2021 following her appointment leading Food and Agribusiness, Workforce, and Indigenous Business Support for the then Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“My husband and I moved to Moreton Bay just under three years ago and have instantly fallen in love with Moreton Bay and I’m honoured and excited to play a role in supporting its growth and economic development, first in my role at Council, and most recently in my new appointment as CEO,” Sorita says.

Sorita’s experience

She previously held senior leadership roles at TAFE Queensland and has owned, with her husband, business ventures in money management training and coaching, project co-ordination, property management and real estate.

RDA Moreton Bay leads regional development projects to help shape the City of Moreton Bay.

Committee Chair Kelvin Patch says he is pleased to welcome Sorita to the organisation.

“We were overwhelmed with the quality of applications we received, however Sorita stood out from the rest as a highly motivated leader of Moreton Bay with a vision, drive, and passion for economic development, with an impressive track record,” Kelvin says.

What the CEO will be doing

The City of Moreton Bay is recognised as one of the fastest growing populations in Australia.

As the new CEO, Sorita will have a hands-on role facilitating economic development opportunities and investment for the city.

Kelvin says the committee is confident in Sorita’s ability to lead RDA Moreton Bay at a time of reinvention as it navigates the new charter and priorities as an organisation.

|“Sorita has already hit the ground running, bringing a unique skillset, background and experience to the role which will undoubtably support businesses and contribute to achieving RDA Moreton Bay priorities,” Kelvin says.|

She is looking forward to delivering economic development outcomes in the region, working alongside the Chair and Committee, all levels of government and the wider business community.

Sorita has a passion and diverse background to bring to her role of CEO and is looking forward to strengthening RDA Moreton Bay’s relationships with government and communities.

She will also be working at a strategic level to deliver economic development outcomes for the region to make a difference to the more than 29,000 businesses that call the City of Moreton Bay home.

Sorita says the organisation is working to understand how to add value to areas.

“As an organisation we’re busy navigating the new charter and priorities to understand how we can add value in these areas, which include supporting businesses work towards their Net Zero carbon footprint and how we can better work with our First Nations people,” Sorita says.

“In my role with Economic Development Australia, I teach other practitioners across Australia with my body of work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. I’m extremely passionate about this priority and am confident I can contribute and drive this for Moreton Bay.”

Sorita welcomes the chance to meet with industry and business to understand their challenges and how RDA Moreton Bay and government can support their goals.

Stay up to date

Businesses and stakeholders can contact Sorita on [email protected] or subscribe to RDA Moreton Bay e-newsletter to keep up to date with RDA Moreton Bay news and priorities at www.rdamoretonbay.org.au.