Life Without Barriers Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Life Without Barriers has 7 executives leading key functions including disability support, mental health, emerging business, family services, financial oversight, and information technology.

Committed to empowering individuals through inclusive community support, Life Without Barriers delivers essential services to people in their own homes and residential facilities while advocating for refugees and asylum seekers across Australia.

Leadership Roles at Life Without Barriers

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health - Leanne Johnson
  • Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer - Lauren De Matos
  • Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office - Barbara Dow
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business - Brad Swan
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family - Carly Jacobitz
  • Chief Financial Officer - Rene Pedersen
  • Chief Information Officer - Ian Robinson
  • 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 strategic delivery of specialized support services for individuals navigating complex health challenges. Overseeing clinical governance and community integration programs, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health ensures that residential care models align with national standards for person-centered support. This leadership role involves managing large-scale service networks across diverse Australian regions to improve participant outcomes. By optimizing resource allocation for mental health initiatives, Leanne Johnson directly impacts the quality of life for thousands of clients. Johnson maintains rigorous oversight of service quality, ensuring that every residential house managed by the organization provides a safe, inclusive environment. Through continuous collaboration with regional health authorities, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health drives sustainable growth in service capacity while upholding the core mission of fostering independence for all supported individuals.

    Lauren De Matos - Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer

    Lauren De Matos, the Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer at Life Without Barriers, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives and facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the Board. Managing the operational flow of the Chief Executive Officer's office, the Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer ensures that organizational priorities remain focused on the core mission of supporting vulnerable populations. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various departments to inform executive decision-making processes. By streamlining internal workflows, Lauren De Matos enhances the efficiency of the entire leadership structure. De Matos monitors progress on key performance indicators, ensuring that the organization meets its social impact goals across all residential and home-based service sectors. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional coordination, the Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer supports the long-term stability of the organization, enabling the leadership team to address the evolving needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals requiring specialized care.

    Barbara Dow - Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office

    Barbara Dow, the Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office at Life Without Barriers, manages the administrative and strategic infrastructure supporting the organization's top leadership. Overseeing the execution of corporate governance policies, the Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office ensures that all operational activities align with the mission of providing high-quality support services. This role involves managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating board-level communications to maintain organizational transparency. By refining internal processes, Barbara Dow optimizes the effectiveness of the executive office. Dow monitors the implementation of strategic projects, ensuring that resources reach residential houses and home-based support programs efficiently. Through proactive management of executive priorities, the Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office enables the organization to scale its impact for refugees and asylum seekers. Barbara Dow maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the leadership team remains agile in responding to the complex social challenges present within the Australian community.

    Brad Swan - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business

    Brad Swan, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business at Life Without Barriers, identifies and develops new service models to expand the organization's reach within the charitable sector. Overseeing the pilot programs for innovative care solutions, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business ensures that new initiatives address the unmet needs of refugees and asylum seekers. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and securing partnerships to diversify the organization's service portfolio. By fostering a culture of innovation, Brad Swan drives the development of sustainable business practices that complement existing residential and home-based support services. Swan evaluates the scalability of emerging projects, ensuring that each new venture adheres to the organization's commitment to social equity. Through strategic investment in new technologies and service delivery methods, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business strengthens the organization's market position, allowing for broader support across diverse geographic regions while maintaining the highest standards of care.

    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, directs the comprehensive support programs designed for vulnerable children, youth, and their families. Overseeing the implementation of trauma-informed care models, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family ensures that residential and community-based services provide a stable foundation for development. This leadership role involves managing complex case management systems and coordinating with government agencies to protect the rights of those served. By optimizing service delivery, Carly Jacobitz directly impacts the long-term well-being of families across the country. Jacobitz monitors the effectiveness of family support initiatives, ensuring that resources are directed toward achieving positive social outcomes. Through strategic oversight of youth programs, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family drives the organization's mission to provide inclusive, compassionate care, ensuring that every child and family receives the necessary support to thrive within their own homes or residential settings.

    Rene Pedersen - Chief Financial Officer

    Rene Pedersen, the Chief Financial Officer at Life Without Barriers, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization to ensure the long-term sustainability of all charitable programs. Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds are directed toward critical residential and home-based support services. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous financial controls and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across all Australian operations. By optimizing the financial structure, Rene Pedersen supports the organization's ability to scale its impact for refugees and asylum seekers. Pedersen collaborates with the executive team to align financial goals with the broader mission of providing high-quality care. Through prudent fiscal management and strategic investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the organization to continue its vital work. Rene Pedersen maintains a focus on transparency and accountability, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the empowerment and support of the individuals served.

    Ian Robinson - Chief Information Officer

    Ian Robinson, the Chief Information Officer at Life Without Barriers, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy required to support the organization's extensive service network. Overseeing the implementation of secure data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that information technology enhances the delivery of care in residential houses and home-based settings. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and digital transformation projects to improve operational efficiency. By leveraging data analytics, Ian Robinson provides the executive team with actionable insights to refine service delivery for refugees and asylum seekers. Robinson monitors the performance of all technical systems, ensuring that staff have the tools necessary to provide high-quality support. Through strategic investment in digital innovation, the Chief Information Officer drives the organization's ability to scale its operations across Australia. Ian Robinson maintains a focus on technological reliability, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of digital excellence in the charitable sector.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

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

    Who leads Life Without Barriers?
    Life Without Barriers is led by Leanne Johnson (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health), along with executives such as Lauren De Matos (Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer) 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 Leanne Johnson (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Disability & Mental Health), Lauren De Matos (Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer), Barbara Dow (Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Life Without Barriers have?
    Life Without Barriers has 7 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, Disability & Mental Health, Executive Officer To Chief Executive Officer, Executive Lead - Chief Executive Officer Office, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Business, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Child Youth and Family.