Cassie Broomfield
Chief People Officer (CPO)

Cassie leads the RTA’s human resources, learning, organisational development, media, communication and stakeholder engagement functions.

With an extensive background in human resources, Cassie is an experienced senior leader with specialist knowledge in learning and organisational development, human resource business partnering, recruitment, change management, data analytics, and employee and industrial relations.

Before joining the RTA in 2018, Cassie led and worked in various human resource functions across the Queensland public sector.

Cassie is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Resources Management with Charles Sturt University and holds the following qualifications and accreditations:

• Certificate IV in Human Resources, Australian Human Resources Institute
• accreditations in change management, first aid and mental health first aid.

Joanna van der Merwe
Acting Chief Digital Officer (CDO) 

Joanna leads the RTA’s Digital Business Centre, overseeing information and communication technology, digital platforms, business intelligence, information management and cyber security.  

With professional credentials in both finance and governance, Joanna brings a strategic cross-functional perspective to technology leadership, aligning IT priorities with organisational goals, ensuring effective risk management and compliance.

Joanna was previously the Chief Financial Officer at the RTA. Before joining the RTA, Joanna held various executive roles at Brisbane City Council as well as roles in the United Kingdom’s private sector in the consumer goods and consumer electronics industries. 

Joanna holds the following qualifications and professional memberships: 

• Chartered Management Accountant, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
• Member, CPA Australia
• Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Rebecca Freath
Chief Assurance Officer (CAO)

Rebecca leads the RTA’s finance, governance and risk,  legal, compliance and enforcement, strategy, government relations, legislative programs, education, and board secretariat functions.

Rebecca is an accomplished executive with qualifications in law, business, and governance. She has more than two decades of experience spanning state government, healthcare, utilities, and for-purpose sectors. 

In addition to her executive experience, Rebecca has also held numerous board roles. She is currently the Board Chair of The University of Queensland Union College. 

Rebecca holds the following qualifications and professional memberships: 

• Practice Management Course, Queensland Law Society
• Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance, Chartered Secretaries Australia
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law
• Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (International Business), QUT