Jennifer Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer has a broad range of management experience and leadership skills with demonstrated achievements in financial planning, corporate governance, policy development and the delivery of services across both private and public sectors.

Prior to joining the RTA Jennifer held various executive roles at the Brisbane City Council. These roles included Assurance Delivery and Performance Manager, Financial Projects Manager and various senior appointments within Corporate Treasury.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Accountancy from the Queensland University of Technology and is an accredited Workplace Executive Coach.

Nasa Walton 
Chief Digital Officer

Nasa leads the RTA’s Digital Business Centre. Nasa brings experience in leading teams to implement strategic directions that underpin the organisation’s Strategic Plan and specialises in turning IT into enabling tools for staff.

Nasa is an award-winning Chief Information Officer who has a successful career in delivering innovative solutions. Prior to joining the RTA, Nasa held several senior leadership positions within the health industry and was the CIO of a hospital and health service for 5 years.

Nasa holds a Bachelor of Business, Human Resource Management from Southern Cross University and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Communications from University of Canberra.

Joanna van der Merwe
A/Chief Financial Officer

Joanna van der Merwe leads the Financial and Assurance Services and Strategy and Innovation divisions, which span finance, governance and risk, investigations, government relations, project governance and business improvement.

Joanna held various executive roles at the Brisbane City Council over 10 years, including Strategy and Reporting Manager, Financial Performance Manager, and Corporate Benefits Manager and commercial finance roles in the food and home electronics industries in the UK prior to joining the RTA in September 2019.

Joanna holds a Bachelor of Business and is an Associate Chartered Management Accountant.

Natalie Townsend
A/Director, Customer Experience

Natalie Townsend leads the RTA’s Customer Experience division, which includes the Contact Centre, bond management, support services and dispute resolution teams, providing personalised tenancy services and support to tenants and property managers and owners navigating the Queensland residential rental sector.

Natalie brings extensive project experience across a range of activities from system implementation – including rolling out the RTA's human resources information system, learning management system, and performance framework and system – to organisational transformation activities and reform initiatives.

Natalie holds a Diploma of Business, a Bachelor of Business with double majors in Management and Human Resource Management along with other accreditations in tools such as DISC and Talegent.

Natalie is also a CAHRI member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Cassie Broomfield
A/Director, People and Culture

Cassandra currently leads the People and Culture division, overseeing the RTA’s human resources, training, change management, media, communication and education teams. Cassie joined the RTA in November 2018 and has an extensive HR background with 11+ years of public sector experience.

Cassie is a true HR generalist and has experience in all facets of HR with specialist knowledge and experience in organisational development, payroll management, data analytics, and employee and industrial relations.

Cassie holds a Certificate IV in Human Resources and is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Resources Management and Psychology. Cassie holds further accreditations in tools such as mental health first aid and change management.