Michael Anderson
Chair
Michael is a bank branch manager and accounts supervisor, with strong financial risk management experience and process specialist skills.
He is a founding and current Board Member for Ipswich Connect, a NFP established to fill the gap between youth programs and adulthood.
He has been engaged with Young Life since 2009 in various capacities, including: employee from 2009 until 2013 in Ipswich, volunteer at camps until 2018, Ipswich Area Manager from 2009 – 2013 and SEQ Manager from 2012 to 2013.
Michael brings a heart for ministry that includes worship, small group leadership, church eldership, international and local mission experience and outreach.
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.
Vicki Rochow
Board member sine 2022
Vicki is deeply passionate about young people being supported during their teenage years. She has been involved with Young Life Barossa, as a former Area Manager and active committee member (10+ years) and as a mentor and support to leaders.
Her role as a school Chaplain is a great conduit for contact work through various well-being activities.
She brings a wealth of knowledge, lived experience and an insight into the reality of running a Young Life area.
Shannon Kong
Board member since 2019
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Corporate Finance qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Diploma in Financial Planning
Bachelor of Commerce (major in Accounting)
Shannon has 20 years experience in various leadership roles within investment banking, corporate finance, private and business banking and is well versed in sales leadership, financial analysis, credit, risk management and governance. She spent the last 9 years working in a sales leadership role in one of the 4 major banks in Australia. Shannon is a passionate people leader and enjoys developing people to achieve their full potential. She also enjoys solving problems and helping customers realise their financial aspirations.
Outside of work, Shannon is involved in church ministry and leadership. She loves connecting with young people as the next generation of leaders in God’s kingdom. Shannon is married to Linus and they enjoy spending time with their twin boys, travelling and camping in and out of Australia.
Ryan Broom
Board member
EMPA (2022) MPH BPharm
Grad Cert Business (Public Sector Mgmt)
Registered Pharmacist
Ryan is a senior public servant in the NSW Government. An experienced public policy professional, Ryan enjoys working with diverse groups to tackle tricky problems with simple, outcomes-focused solutions.
He has broad experience across the NSW public health system and has worked in professional advocacy, quality and patient safety portfolios.
Ryan has been involved with Young Life since 2006, serving at Club in West Ryde and several Summer Camps.
Ryan is married to Bec, has two sons, and attends his local Anglican Church, where he has recently served as a Warden and Parish Councillor.
Executive
Mark Stretton
Acting CEO since 2022
Mark has been involved with Young Life for over 15 years. He is committed to Young Life’s vision and strategy and seeing new leadership come to the surface.
Mark worked in the Engineering industry for most of his working life.
As a Christian, Mark has been involved in Youth group leadership, Beach Mission, Fusion, Church councils and helping to launch Ski Mission, as well as serving on the Young Life Board between 2002 and 2019 and as its Chair from 2012 to 2019.
He is married to Danielle and has two children.