Our Board

Shane Fitzsimmons AO AFSM is the Chair of the Board at Youth Insearch Foundation. He chairs several organisations including NSW Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN), NSW Telco Authority Board and the National Emergency Medal Committee.

Shane served as the inaugural Commissioner for Resilience NSW from 1 May 2020 – 16 December 2022. This appointment followed a distinguished career with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) of over 35 years, serving as both a volunteer and salaried member.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons has been awarded the Rural Fire Service Long-Service Medal for more than 30 years, the National Medal in recognition of more than 35 years, and the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM). He has also been acknowledged with a Paul Harris Fellow and a Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire through Rotary Clubs of Berowra and Sydney. He was announced as the 2021 NSW Australian of the Year, and the Australian Father of the Year 2020 through The Shepherd Centre. Most recently, he was awarded an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia as part of the 2022 Australia Day Honours list.

Sandy (Alexander) Beard is the Treasurer for the Youth Insearch Board, and is Chairman and Managing Director of ASX listed investment company HGL Limited and Director of multiple ASX listed companies.

Sandy has extensive experience working with investee businesses, both in providing advice and in direct management roles, especially bringing management expertise to early-stage businesses and in turning around financial performance to deliver substantial shareholder returns for sustained periods.

Sandy holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Fellow Chartered Accountant and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mark is a professional non-executive Company Secretary and Chartered Accountant and works extensively in the Not-for-Profit sector.

Mark has over four decades' accounting, commercial and governance experience including various listed and private companies as well as in private practice.

Mark has a Bachelor of Business and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Elisabeth Shaw joined the Youth Insearch Board in April 2021.

Elisabeth is the Chief Executive Officer of Relationships Australia NSW and a Board member of its Social Enterprise and a member of the Relationships Australia National Board. Elisabeth is also the Chair of Settlement Services International.

Elisabeth is an executive leader in the promotion and provision of high quality, relationship support services, and in the development, design and governance of not for profit organisations; thought leader in professional and applied ethics and ethical leadership.

Elisabeth is a Registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), a Master of Management (Commerce), is a Member of CFT, has a Master of Professional Ethics, Member of the Australian Psychological Society , a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Kasy Chambers is Executive Director of Anglicare Australia – a network of 45 agencies working with over 502,000 clients annually across Australia.

Kasy is an accomplished CEO with extensive, national experience in government and the community sector. She brings widespread, hands-on experience in policy, advocacy, government relations, service provision, community development, corporate governance and finance. Her past roles include Manager of Communications and Government Relations at UnitingCare Australia, Assistant Secretary in the Australian Government Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Executive Director, YWCA of Canberra, and Senior Policy Advisor with ACOSS.

Andrew is an experienced finance executive and company director, holding senior roles in financial services and private wealth management. Andrew is currently the General Manager, MLC Advice with National Australia Bank.

Andrew holds a Master of Applied Finance, a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business, Human Resource Management) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Samantha Mackie is a dedicated youth advocate with involvement with Youth Insearch across 15 years.

Samantha has played a variety of roles within Youth Insearch, including participant, young leader, adult leader, program council member, fundraiser, and Board member (since 2022). She holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), is the Managing Director of a heavy transport service operation and is involved with key industry advocacy and advancement groups.

Samantha brings a wealth of business knowledge and proficiency, as well as lived experience of the Youth Insearch organisation and program.

Samantha is a business owner and a proud Youth Insearch Program alumni.

Penny has over 25 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, predominantly in medical affairs and clinical trials. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Masters of Public Health.

Greg is an experienced CEO and Director having worked in Senior Executive roles nationally and internationally in private, public and non-government sectors including significant experience in rural health.

He is currently the CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section, a Non-executive Director of Carers NSW, a Non-executive Director of Basketball Australia and a Non-executive Director of Royal Far West. He has previously held Director roles with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council and Palliative Care Australia.