Our Management Team | Youth Insearch

Our Management Team

Our staff are the conduit that brings together the service partners, volunteers and young people, providing the Youth Insearch program that changes the lives of young Australians.

Together we have a collection of skills, experience and passion going beyond the call of duty in each of their roles.

Stephen Lewin | Chief Executive Officer

Stephen Lewin joined Youth Insearch as General Manager in December 2014 and was appointed CEO for Youth Insearch in November 2019. Stephen also brings his experience as a former Youth Insearch participant. Committed to a career creating public value, Stephen previously worked with the NSW Government for 19 years, including senior roles in accommodation and respite, community support teams and home care. He is a public-sector manager who throughout his career has delivered services to society’s most vulnerable people. Through practice and executive education, Stephen has built a reputation of implementing lasting change, through organisational culture assessment and transformation. Stephen holds an Executive MBA from the University of Wollongong and Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from Flinders University.

James Fowles | General Manager, Program & Operations

James joined Youth Insearch in September 2021 as General Manager, Program & Operations, leading the team delivering the Youth Insearch program. James is a qualified Social Worker with over a decade of experience in supporting community mental health programs in community, health and corporate sectors. James also has more than five years leading fundraising in non-profit sector in mental health and alcohol and other drugs services.

Leann Tibbey | General Manager, Fundraising & Marketing

Leann is a skilled and accomplished frontline manager with a diverse skill set encompassing Fundraising, Partnerships, Marketing, and Grants. As the General Manager of Fundraising and Marketing at Youth Insearch, she brings extensive knowledge and experience to the leadership team. With over 16 years of work in the non-profit sector, Leann is deeply committed to engaging the community for a worthy cause. Her dedication has led to significant success in organising peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and fundraising events.

Wendy Barnert | Finance Manager

Wendy Barnert commenced with Youth Insearch as the Finance Manager in June 2018 and brings with her over 19 years’ experience working within the not-for-profit charity sector. Wendy holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and a sub-major in Law. Wendy also completed her Professional Year study with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (now Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand). Prior to commencing with Youth Insearch, Wendy has held roles at a top tiered financial accounting firm within the Audit Division, and at SHINE for Kids, a not-for-profit organisation that supports children with a relative in the criminal justice system. Wendy’s strengths are financial reporting and analytical skills, ensuring the organisation meets its key goal of sustainable growth to allow it to continue and support youth.