Life Without Barriers Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Life Without Barriers has 6 executives leading key functions including emerging business, child youth and family, executive office management, disability and mental health, and information technology.

Committed to fostering inclusive communities, Life Without Barriers delivers essential support services to vulnerable populations across Australia while maintaining a focus on residential care and refugee assistance.

Leadership Roles at Life Without Barriers

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business - Brad Swan
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family - Carly Jacobitz
  • Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office - Barbara Dow
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health - Leanne Johnson
  • Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer - Lauren De Matos
  • Chief Information Officer - Ian Robinson
  • Brad Swan - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business

    Brad Swan, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business at Life Without Barriers, directs the development of innovative service models designed to expand organizational reach. Swan identifies new market opportunities within the not-for-profit sector to enhance support for individuals living in residential houses or private homes. By analyzing emerging trends in social care, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business architects strategic partnerships that broaden the scope of assistance provided to refugee and asylum seekers. Brad Swan coordinates with cross-functional teams to ensure these new initiatives align with the core mission of providing high-quality, person-centered care. This leadership role involves rigorous evaluation of service efficacy and operational scalability across diverse Australian regions. Through the implementation of forward-thinking programs, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business drives sustainable growth and improves long-term outcomes for the communities served by the organization.

    Carly Jacobitz - Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family

    Carly Jacobitz, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family at Life Without Barriers, oversees the delivery of specialized support services for vulnerable children and families. Jacobitz manages complex care frameworks that prioritize safety, stability, and long-term development for youth in residential or home-based settings. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family designs comprehensive intervention strategies that address the unique needs of families navigating challenging circumstances. Carly Jacobitz collaborates with government agencies and community stakeholders to ensure service delivery meets rigorous national standards. By optimizing resource allocation and staff training, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family maintains high levels of care quality across all regional operations. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of social welfare outcomes to ensure that every program effectively supports the mission of empowering individuals to live independently and thrive within their communities.

    Barbara Dow - Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office

    Barbara Dow, the Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office at Life Without Barriers, manages the strategic operations and administrative flow of the executive suite. Dow facilitates communication between the Chief Executive Officer and various departmental heads to ensure organizational alignment with the primary mission. The Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office coordinates high-level projects that impact the entire not-for-profit structure, from residential house management to refugee support initiatives. Barbara Dow monitors key performance indicators to provide the Chief Executive Officer with actionable insights regarding operational efficiency. By streamlining internal processes and managing executive priorities, the Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and community impact. This role requires precise oversight of corporate governance and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all executive decisions reflect the values and commitment to service excellence inherent in the organization.

    Leanne Johnson - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health

    Leanne Johnson, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health at Life Without Barriers, directs the provision of specialized care for individuals with complex needs. Johnson oversees the management of residential facilities and home-based support programs, ensuring that every service promotes autonomy and well-being. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health architects clinical and support frameworks that address the intersection of mental health and disability services. Leanne Johnson collaborates with healthcare professionals and support staff to maintain high standards of care across all Australian operations. By focusing on person-centered outcomes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health drives improvements in service accessibility and quality. This leadership role involves managing large-scale operational budgets and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately supporting the organization's goal of providing inclusive and effective care for all clients.

    Lauren De Matos - Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer

    Lauren De Matos, the Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer at Life Without Barriers, manages the daily operational agenda and strategic priorities for the Chief Executive Officer. De Matos coordinates cross-departmental initiatives that support the organization's mission of providing residential and home-based care. The Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer synthesizes complex data from various service sectors to assist the Chief Executive Officer in making informed, mission-critical decisions. Lauren De Matos facilitates engagement with external partners and internal stakeholders to ensure that organizational goals remain consistent across all regions. By managing the flow of information and overseeing special projects, the Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer enhances the overall effectiveness of the executive leadership team. This role requires a deep understanding of the not-for-profit landscape and a commitment to maintaining the high standards of service that define the organization's impact on the community.

    Ian Robinson - Chief Information Officer

    Ian Robinson, the Chief Information Officer at Life Without Barriers, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the organization. Robinson oversees the implementation of secure data management systems that support the delivery of residential and home-based care services. The Chief Information Officer architects scalable IT solutions that improve operational efficiency and data accessibility for staff across all regions. Ian Robinson manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information regarding clients, including refugees and asylum seekers. By integrating advanced software tools into daily workflows, the Chief Information Officer enables the organization to better track service outcomes and resource allocation. This leadership role involves aligning technological investments with the broader mission of the not-for-profit, ensuring that digital tools empower employees to provide superior support. Through continuous innovation, the Chief Information Officer maintains the robust digital foundation necessary for the organization to thrive in a modern social services environment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Life Without Barriers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Life Without Barriers?
    Life Without Barriers is led by Brad Swan (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business), along with executives such as Carly Jacobitz (Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family) and Barbara Dow (Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office).
    Who is part of Life Without Barriers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Life Without Barriers includes leaders such as Brad Swan (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business), Carly Jacobitz (Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family), Barbara Dow (Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Life Without Barriers have?
    Life Without Barriers has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Life Without Barriers’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Life Without Barriers includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family, Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health, Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer.