Vinnies NSW Leadership
The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) provides high-level management and strategy for the organisation. The ELT is led by the Chief Executive Officer, who reports to the Chair.
Yolanda Saiz
Chief Executive Officer
Yolanda Saiz is the CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. Yolanda is a versatile executive leader with over 25 years’ experience of making a difference for the community in the commercial, local government and non-profit sectors. Her years of developing and delivering strategy, driving commercial growth and leading teams through cultural change have given Yolanda an authentic and relational leadership style.
Yolanda is a board member of Charitable Reuse Australia, member of the CEO Institute of Australia, the Fundraising Institute of Australia and was previously a Company Director of the Aminata Maternal Foundation. Yolanda holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism and Politics) and studied leadership at Harvard Business School.
Kathryn Kerr
Executive Director - Enabling Services | Chief Financial Officer
Kathryn joined the Society in 2023, bringing 30 years’ experience in finance and operations across a range of financial services, consulting and government organisations. Previously, Kathryn held a number of CFO/COO roles and was most recently the interim COO of Beyond Zero Emissions. Kathryn holds an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and is a Chartered Accountant.
Sam Crosby
Acting Executive Director - Vinnies Services
Sam joined the Society in 2020 after completing his tenure as CEO of the McKell Institute and has worked in senior roles in government, business, and the trade union movement. Previously, Sam served as corporate and government affairs manager for Johnson & Johnson, senior adviser and chief of staff to a number of New South Wales Cabinet ministers, and adviser to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during the 2013 election.
Joy Kyriacou
Acting Executive Director - Membership, Volunteers and Early Intervention
Joy has taken on the role of Acting Executive Director, MVEI, ensuring continuity and leadership in this important area. Joy’s experience and deep understanding of member and volunteer programs will help maintain strong momentum during this transition. Joy joined the Society NSW in 2021 following policy and advocacy experience in government and non-government roles.
Phil Coyte
Executive Director - Commercial Enterprise, Retail and Fundraising
Phil joined the Society in 2000 and was appointed to this role in 2023. Phil previously served as Director of Retail and Logistics for the Society, leading significant retail transformation and growth in revenue. Phil brings extensive experience in retail and people leadership to this role.
Leo Tucker
Executive Director - Mission and Spirituality
Leo joined the Society in November 2014, bringing extensive experience in pastoral care, spirituality, mission, ethics, culture, and identity in the Catholic healthcare and community sectors. His role mentors the Society to articulate the value of its Catholic identity, managing pastoral care and outreach, and providing mission, spiritual, and ethical leadership. He is a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee for Western Sydney University and the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Parramatta.
Jody Doualetas
Executive Director - People, Culture and Safety
Jody joined the Society NSW in December 2025, bringing over 25 years’ experience in people, culture and safety across the community services and government sectors. Her previous experience includes The Junction Works, where she most recently acted as Chief People Officer, Life Without Barriers, Uniting and NSW Police.
Satya Tanwer
Executive Director - Strategy and Engagement
Satya joined the Society in 2023, bringing 20 years’ experience as an executive and consultant at leading firms in Australia and the US, including Deloitte and Woolworths. Satya has a passion for translating strategy into a purpose-driven and impactful transformation agenda. Satya holds an MBA from the Macquarie University Graduate School of Business, Strategy and Innovation qualifications from INSEAD Global Business School, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rhiannon Cook
Director - Governance, Risk and Safeguarding
Rhiannon joined the Society in 2018, serving previously as Manager, Policy and Advocacy, bringing extensive experience in policy and research across international and community development, housing and social services.