Debra Murphy

Debra Murphy is CEO of Regional Development Australia Illawarra, where she has led economic development projects that have provided a catalyst for change in the region and united education, industry and all levels of government in a shared vision of sustainable growth and prosperity.

Previously, Debra held senior management roles with BHP Billiton, Thiess and the Australian Industry Group. She was formerly a Management Consultant with BizVoice and also served as CEO of the Illawarra Business Chamber where she negotiated a merger with the NSW Business Chamber, developed the Illawarra First initiative and established a million-dollar research fund.

Debra has an MBA (with Merit) from the University of Wollongong and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2019. She is a committed partner for the University in several current initiatives, from the Blue Economy to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Smart City Strategy, and is a tenant and supporter of SmartSpace, a long-standing member of the former UOW Community Reference Group, and a former UniCentre board director.