Vicki Rochow
Chair
Board member since 2022
Vicki is deeply passionate about supporting young people through their teenage years. With over a decade of involvement in Young Life Barossa – as a former Area Manager, active committee member, and mentor – she has dedicated herself to guiding and empowering youth. As a Youth Worker, Vicki plays a vital role in fostering connections through well-being initiatives, providing mentorship, and equipping young leaders. Her extensive experience, combined with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of running a Young Life area, makes her a valuable asset to the community.
Karen Stephen
Deputy Chair since 2021 | Board member since 2018
B. International Studies & Economics (University of Denver)
Karen’s journey with Young Life began in High School, where a young teacher invited her to club and then summer camp at Frontier Ranch in Colorado. There, in the Rocky Mountains she was first captivated by the love of Jesus. After finishing university, Karen moved to Sydney with her husband, where she connected with Young Life Australia. In her 25 years of involvement, she has been a volunteer leader, a staff member, a committee member, a donor and now a board member.
Karen has run the National Student Leadership Forum in the Australian Parliament for 11 years, overseen the NSLF Internship program and the development of “Forum Bridging Initiatives” in several communities around the South Pacific. In 2017 she stepped down as CEO, but remains involved, sitting on the NSLF Board and mentoring University students. Karen has extensive experience in operations and project management, and is currently working full time helping manage an e-commerce start up in Sydney.
Mike Gaffney
Board member since 2024
Mike Gaffney has served as the Senior Vice President for Young Life’s Asia Pacific Division since 2019. He joined the organization in 2007 to lead the expansion of Young Life to the collegiate level, both in the US and globally. Prior to his work with Young Life, Mike served as a university pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder, Colorado and University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington. He is an alumnus of the University of Washington and holds and Master of Theology from Fuller Seminary. He has been married to his wife and ministry partner Shari for 38 years. They have three daughters and two son-in-laws; Olivia (Ryan), Lily (Kyle), and Sophia.