The Peel Development Commission has welcomed the appointment of two new members to their board.
David Doepel has taken on a three-year term as ministerial representative and Michelle Rich has been appointed the local government representative for a one-year term.
Mr Doepel is already well-known in the Peel region through his work with Murdoch University, with over 30 years of experience in industry, academia and government innovation.
He is currently the chair and managing director of Demand Film, has served as a trade commissioner for WA in the Americas and also as a policy advisor and speechwriter to a West Australian premier.
He has held a variety of academic positions, including deputy vice-chancellor of research at Murdoch University, and continues to advise the university on various strategic research initiatives.
Cr Rich was recently re-elected for another four-year term as a Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale councillor and as the shire president for a two-year term.
She brings a background in small and new business and environmental issues and is passionate about promoting the Peel region as a tourism destination.
She currently represents council on the CEO Employment Committee and Audit, Risk and Governance Committee and is the Peel representative on the State Council of WALGA.
Peel Development Commission chair Paddi Creevey welcomed the appointments.
"We're delighted to have David Doepel appointed to our commission board," she said.
"This gives us enormous strength in the many areas that David's had experience in. He has a track record of developing new industries and pulling things together to really achieve great outcomes.
"We'll learn from his national and international contacts and his interest in many things pertinent to the Peel region.
"We also welcome back Michelle Rich from the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale who's term on our board has been extended for 12 months.
"Michelle has already been a contributor to the board and we really welcome her insights and understanding from someone who herself has run a successful business and is involved in many initiatives across the region with her being president of the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, one of the fastest growing shires in Australia."