YMCA Australia Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

YMCA Australia has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, marketing, financial management, operations, human resources, and organizational governance.

Committed to fostering community well-being, YMCA Australia drives social impact through healthy living initiatives and youth empowerment programs across hundreds of diverse Australian communities.

Leadership Roles at YMCA Australia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Peter Schwarz
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Peter Cargin
  • President - Amelia Shaw
  • Chief Information Officer - Shane Riddel
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jay Holl
  • Chief Operations Officer - Greg Jennings
  • Chief People Officer - Brett Reid
  • Peter Schwarz - Chief Executive Officer

    Peter Schwarz, the Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Australia, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the 24 Member Associations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core mission of empowering young people and promoting healthy living. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term sustainability across the national network. By coordinating with the Board, Peter Schwarz secures the resources necessary for expanding social impact initiatives. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every community program delivers measurable value. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of accountability and growth. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer positions the organization as a leader in the Australian non-profit sector, ensuring that the mission remains relevant in a rapidly changing social landscape.

    Peter Cargin - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Peter Cargin, the Group Chief Financial Officer at YMCA Australia, manages the fiscal health and financial planning for the entire organization. Overseeing the allocation of capital across 24 Member Associations, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the core mission of healthy living and social impact. This role involves rigorous budget management, financial reporting, and risk assessment to maintain long-term stability. By implementing transparent financial controls, Peter Cargin provides the necessary oversight for sustainable growth. The Group Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new community programs and infrastructure investments. Through the optimization of revenue streams, the Group Chief Financial Officer secures the funding required for ongoing operations. Ultimately, the Group Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity of the organization, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the empowerment of young people.

    Amelia Shaw - President

    Amelia Shaw, the President at YMCA Australia, provides high-level leadership and governance oversight for the organization. Overseeing the strategic direction of the Board and the Member Associations, the President ensures that the mission of healthy living and social impact remains the primary focus. This role involves representing the organization in national forums and building partnerships with government and community stakeholders. By facilitating effective communication between the Board and the executive team, Amelia Shaw ensures alignment on critical policy decisions. The President drives the long-term vision for the organization, focusing on expanding the reach of youth empowerment programs. Through the promotion of ethical governance, the President maintains the trust of the public and the communities served. Ultimately, the President secures the organization's position as a cornerstone of Australian community life, ensuring that the mission continues to thrive for future generations.

    Shane Riddel - Chief Information Officer

    Shane Riddel, the Chief Information Officer at YMCA Australia, architects the digital infrastructure supporting hundreds of community centers. Managing the technological roadmap, the Chief Information Officer implements scalable systems that enhance data security and operational efficiency across all Member Associations. This role involves integrating advanced software solutions to streamline member engagement and program delivery. By modernizing the IT landscape, Shane Riddel enables the organization to leverage data-driven insights for better decision-making. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that digital tools support the broader goals of healthy living and social impact. Through the deployment of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive community information. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the Australian membership organization market.

    Jay Holl - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jay Holl, the Chief Marketing Officer at YMCA Australia, directs the brand strategy and public engagement efforts across the national network. Overseeing all communication channels, the Chief Marketing Officer crafts compelling narratives that highlight the organization's commitment to empowering young people. This role involves managing large-scale campaigns that increase awareness of healthy living programs in diverse communities. By analyzing market trends, Jay Holl optimizes outreach strategies to maximize community participation and donor support. The Chief Marketing Officer works closely with regional associations to ensure consistent brand messaging and high-impact storytelling. Through the implementation of digital marketing initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization's social impact mission. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the public perception of the brand, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted partner for families and individuals throughout Australia.

    Greg Jennings - Chief Operations Officer

    Greg Jennings, the Chief Operations Officer at YMCA Australia, directs the day-to-day activities and service delivery across the national network. Overseeing the operational standards for hundreds of community facilities, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that programs in healthy living and youth empowerment meet rigorous quality benchmarks. This role involves optimizing supply chains, facility management, and staff deployment to enhance service efficiency. By standardizing operational procedures, Greg Jennings creates a consistent experience for members across all locations. The Chief Operations Officer works with regional leaders to resolve logistical challenges and improve program accessibility. Through the implementation of performance metrics, the Chief Operations Officer monitors the effectiveness of community initiatives. Ultimately, the Chief Operations Officer drives the operational excellence required to support the organization's mission, ensuring that facilities remain safe, welcoming, and highly functional for all community members.
    Greg Jennings

    Brett Reid - Chief People Officer

    Brett Reid, the Chief People Officer at YMCA Australia, architects the human resources strategy and organizational culture. Overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of empowering young people. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that equip staff with the skills needed to deliver high-quality community services. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, Brett Reid drives employee retention and performance. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to align staffing levels with the operational needs of the 24 Member Associations. Through the implementation of robust performance management systems, the Chief People Officer promotes a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer strengthens the organization's human capital, ensuring that the team remains dedicated to the long-term success of the communities served.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding YMCA Australia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads YMCA Australia?
    YMCA Australia is led by Peter Schwarz (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Peter Cargin (Group Chief Financial Officer) and Amelia Shaw (President).
    Who is part of YMCA Australia’s executive team?
    The executive team of YMCA Australia includes leaders such as Peter Schwarz (Chief Executive Officer), Peter Cargin (Group Chief Financial Officer), Amelia Shaw (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does YMCA Australia have?
    YMCA Australia has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in YMCA Australia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of YMCA Australia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.