Vinnies NSW Leadership

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 Recycling Australia, member of the CEO Institute of Australia, the Fundraising Institute of Australia and was previously a Company Director of the Animata 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

Executive Director - Membership, Volunteers and Regional Operations

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.

Brett Macklin

Interim Executive Director - Vinnies Services

Brett joined the Society in 1998, serving previously as Director, Homelessness and Housing since 2020. Brett’s various roles in the Society have encompassed regional, rural and inner-city service provision. Brett is known for working collaboratively and effectively to support the needs of people we assist and the organisation. Brett is a recognised leader in the sector, having served on the Board of Homelessness NSW from 2016-2021.

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.

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.