Brisbane Youth Service is delighted to announce the appointment of Pam Barker as Chief Executive Officer. Pam brings a wealth of experience across youth services, homelessness prevention, mental health programs, corporate finance, and policy reform.
She has worked with vulnerable young people and children for 18 years, catalysing change through a mixture of advocacy and leadership.
“The BYS Board are extremely excited to announce the selection of Pam Barker as the new CEO of our wonderful organisation,” said Board President, Mark Wheatley.
“Pam was a standout applicant during the selection process and brings with her significant knowledge and understanding of the needs of our clients, as well as extensive leadership in the sector. We are looking forward to working closely with Pam as she develops BYS into the future.”
Before commencing with BYS in September, Pam will finish up her role as CEO of Yfoundations, the New South Wales peak body representing young people at risk and experiencing homelessness. Prior to working with Yfoundations, Pam was the CEO of Open Doors Youth Service, Queensland’s LGBTIQA+ youth service supporting children and young people aged 12–24 years.
Pam has advocated for change in policy reform at both state and federal government levels partnering with stakeholders to affect change across Queensland for LGBTIQ Youth. She also sits on the board of My Foundations Youth Housing, Homelessness Australia (HA), Vanguard End Street Sleeping Collaboration (ESSC), is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Bachelor of Psychology, and is currently undertaking postgraduate study in Clinical Psychology.
“Over the years, I have watched BYS grow under former CEO Annemaree Callander’s leadership, working collaboratively at both a community and national level,” says Pam.
“I am excited to come on board as CEO and lead this dynamic organisation full of people who truly care about helping support young people out of crisis.”
Helping vulnerable young people is particularly close to Pam’s heart due to her personal experience of homelessness and being a child in the child protection system. If not for the support and opportunities provided to her, it would not have been possible to have achieved what she has today.
“I am looking forward to working alongside an innovative team dedicated to addressing youth homelessness in Brisbane. When government, services, and the community work together to implement innovative models, we can meet young people where they are at.”
Passionate about advocating for meaningful solutions that will prevent young people from being homeless, Pam believes that young people are highly resilient and, as the next leaders, deserve to be invested in and supported to flourish.
Pam Barker takes over the position from Annemaree Callander who guided BYS through a decade of growth and transformation. Di Mahoney will continue as acting CEO until Pam commences in September 2022.
BYS is proud to welcome someone as experienced and passionate as Pam Barker to lead the organisation as it continues to support young people transitioning out of crisis towards new futures.