RBS welcomes diverse new leadership to champion resilience in rural communities
Rural Business Support (RBS) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Daniel Casement, Kevin Reid, and Christine Hahn.
With robust backgrounds in agribusiness, finance, and community leadership, these esteemed professionals bring invaluable skills that will further enhance RBS’s mission to support and strengthen rural communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Daniel Casement: Strategic Leader in Resilience and Emergency Management
Daniel Casement brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), where he led critical emergency management programs addressing droughts, bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now serving as CEO of the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association, Mr. Casement is known for his ability to shape big-picture strategies and implement resilience-building initiatives that align with RBS’s focus on strengthening rural capacity.
Through his previous roles, Mr. Casement has also demonstrated a commitment to wellbeing initiatives within the Department of Health and Wellbeing. His extensive experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects makes him a valuable asset to RBS, especially as the organisation seeks to improve emergency response readiness and expand resilience programs to help rural businesses tackle adversity with confidence and adaptability.
Kevin Reid: Philanthropic Leader with Deep Rural Connections
Kevin Reid joins the RBS Board with over 20 years as a Chartered Accountant and partner at PwC in both Sydney and Adelaide and over ten years’ experience as a company director.
As the former leader of PwC’s Adelaide Health and Community Services practice, Mr. Reid worked closely with renowned organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Maari Ma Aboriginal Health which deliver critical health services to rural communities.
Currently the Chair and President of Meals on Wheels SA, Mr. Reid has gained firsthand insights into the needs of South Australia’s rural regions, fostering connections throughout the state. Mr. Reid was recently a director of a major dairy manufacturer based in rural South Australia.
Mr. Reid’s leadership extends to the board of Can:Do Group, and previously the Maggie Beer Foundation, where he applies a strong focus on governance and community wellbeing. His commitment to supporting rural communities aligns seamlessly with RBS’s Strategy 2030 goals, which emphasise the expansion of the RBS Relief Fund to provide practical assistance to farmers and small business owners during tough times. His philanthropic experience will contribute to positioning the Relief Fund as a key component of the regional philanthropic landscape.
Christine Hahn: Governance Expert with Lived Experience in Agribusiness
Christine Hahn brings extensive governance experience and a deep connection to agribusiness. A former CEO of Barossa Valley Estate, Ms. Hahn has held senior roles on audit and risk committees for multiple local councils, including those for Clare & Gilbert Valleys, Mitcham, Yankalilla, and Gawler. Her commitment to sound financial oversight and strategic planning is aligned with Strategy 2030’s objectives to improve governance and expand inclusive services for rural and regional communities.
Beyond her professional credentials, Ms. Hahn and her family operate a multi-generational vineyard and livestock enterprise in the Barossa Valley. This hands-on experience provides her with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by rural businesses. Ms. Hahn’s combined expertise in governance and lived experience in agribusiness will help RBS continue to deliver meaningful programs that directly benefit the rural communities it serves, supporting sustainable and resilient business practices.
A New Era of Leadership for Rural Business Support
The addition of Mr. Casement, Mr. Reid, and Ms. Hahn to the Board marks an exciting phase for RBS as it enhances its capacity to deliver targeted support for rural and regional communities.
“With the addition of Daniel, Kevin, and Christine, we are building a Board with exceptional breadth and depth. Their combined expertise in agribusiness, health and community services, as well as governance brings fresh perspectives and invaluable insights that align perfectly with our Strategy 2030 goals,” said Peter Treloar, RBS Chair of Board.
“This diversity strengthens our ability to respond to the complex challenges facing rural communities and ensures that RBS remains a trusted partner for farmers and small and family-owned business owners and the communities they serve across South Australia and the Northern Territory.”
The RBS Board comprises Chair Peter Treloar, Simon Venus, Dr. Rebecca Mohr-Bell, Marc Allgrove, Christine Hahn, Daniel Casement and Kevin Reid. Together, they will drive RBS’s strategic initiatives and support rural resilience across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kat Giles, Caroline Rhodes, and Claudia Goldsmith for their invaluable contributions as members of the Rural Business Support Board.
Their dedication has been instrumental in RBS’s growth, helping to establish essential services such as the RBS Relief Fund, the Landowner Information Service (LIS), and the Small Business Financial Counselling Service. Together, they have played a crucial role in strengthening rural communities and steering RBS through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and the Murray River flood, laying a solid foundation for the future.
(L-R) RBS CEO, Brett Smith, welcomes newly appointed board members Christine Hahn, Daniel Casement and Kevin Reid, along with RBS Chair, Peter Treloar.
