YMCA Australia Executive and Leadership Team

Peter Schwarz, the Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Australia, directs the overarching strategic vision for all youth-focused programs across Victoria. Overseeing the alignment of learning, leadership, and social impact initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains strong partnerships with government bodies and community stakeholders. This leadership role involves driving the expansion of the YMCA Bridge Project and YMCA Rebuild to maximize support for young offenders. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, Peter Schwarz directly impacts the long-term sustainability of youth services. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to secure resources necessary for scaling operations. Ultimately, Schwarz secures the organizational mission by prioritizing high-impact community outcomes and ensuring that every program effectively addresses the evolving needs of diverse youth populations throughout the region.

Naomi Edwards, the PA To Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Australia, manages the complex administrative workflows that support the executive office. Coordinating high-level communications between the Chief Executive Officer and external partners, the PA To Chief Executive Officer ensures seamless operational efficiency across all departments. This role involves organizing critical board meetings, tracking project milestones for Youth Parliament, and maintaining the integrity of internal scheduling systems. By streamlining executive decision-making processes, Naomi Edwards directly supports the organization's ability to deliver consistent youth services. The PA To Chief Executive Officer facilitates collaboration between leadership and regional stakeholders to maintain organizational focus. Ultimately, Edwards optimizes the daily productivity of the executive team, allowing for a sharper concentration on the core mission of providing essential training and education to young people.

Peter Cargin, the Group Chief Financial Officer at YMCA Australia, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all organizational activities. Overseeing the budgeting process for learning, leadership, and social impact programs, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures financial stability across the entire Victorian network. This leadership role involves monitoring the funding streams from government grants and business partnerships to support the YMCA Bridge Project and YMCA Rebuild. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Peter Cargin maintains the transparency required for non-profit operations. The Group Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to forecast growth and identify investment opportunities in youth infrastructure. Ultimately, Cargin secures the long-term financial viability of the organization, ensuring that resources remain available to provide consistent, high-quality support to young people throughout the region.

Jay Holl, the Chief Marketing Officer at YMCA Australia, architects the brand strategy and public engagement efforts for all youth programs. Overseeing the communication of social impact initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness for Youth Press Gallery and Student Leadership Days across the Victorian market. This leadership role involves developing digital campaigns that connect with diverse youth populations and potential corporate partners. By analyzing market trends and community feedback, Jay Holl ensures that the organization remains a relevant voice in youth development. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with operational teams to highlight the success of the YMCA Bridge Project. Ultimately, Holl secures brand visibility and public support, which directly translates into increased participation and funding for the various programs designed to help young people build essential life skills.

Shane Riddel, the Chief Information Officer at YMCA Australia, directs the digital infrastructure and data management systems supporting all youth services. Overseeing the implementation of secure platforms for program tracking and participant records, the Chief Information Officer ensures that technology facilitates efficient service delivery. This leadership role involves modernizing the digital tools used for Youth Training and community outreach initiatives. By optimizing data analytics, Shane Riddel provides actionable insights that help the organization measure the effectiveness of social impact programs. The Chief Information Officer manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information regarding young offenders and program participants. Ultimately, Riddel secures the technological foundation of the organization, enabling staff to focus on delivering high-quality education and training while maintaining robust connectivity across all regional operations.

Greg Jennings, the Chief Operations Officer at YMCA Australia, directs the day-to-day execution of youth programs and facility management. Overseeing the operational logistics for Y Spaces and various training initiatives, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that service delivery meets the highest standards of safety and quality. This leadership role involves coordinating staff deployment and resource distribution across all Victorian locations. By refining internal processes, Greg Jennings improves the efficiency of programs like Youth Parliament and Student Leadership Days. The Chief Operations Officer works closely with regional managers to ensure that operational goals align with the broader mission of community connection. Ultimately, Jennings secures the operational excellence of the organization, providing a stable environment where young people can successfully engage in education, training, and personal development activities.