On behalf of our members, partners and stakeholders, the Y Southland Board works to ensure the Y works towards achieving its vision and mission. The Board is also responsible for the development of strategic directions and goals and the provision of leadership in achieving these.
Kari Graber - Chair
Kari joined the YMCA Board in July 2021. Kari holds multiple director positions in the Southland area and is passionate about our community and young people. In her day job she is the Group Marketing Manager for JJ Limited and is a member of the Marketing Association of New Zealand. She also has a background in policy and has worked for local and national governments here and abroad. She brings with her a multitude of governance and marketing skills and a passion for Southland.
Bridget-Mary McGown
Bridget-Mary joined the YMCA Board in 2002. During this time, Bridget-Mary has seen The Y change and evolve to meet the needs of our community to ensure that the Y is here for the benefit of generations to come. Steeped in history and tradition it is the Y’s ability to build on this, yet change to remain relevant in today’s world that has kept her actively involved in the Y both locally and nationally.
Bridget- Mary works in the area of change management and has a varied and wide background across the health, disability and community service sectors gained in both New Zealand and the UK. Bridget-Mary was awarded a life membership in 2019 for her significant service to the YMCA in Southland.
Paul Rabbitt
Paul’s involvement with the YMCA started in April 2000, when he joined Southland YMCA Education Ltd. In 2003 he became the Chairman of Education and joined the Trust Board. Paul has an extensive practical background in property management and considerable experience in business.
Dave Madden
Dave joined the YMCA Board of Directors in 1991. He represented YMCA Southland at YMCA World Alliance and World Urban Network July 2010 in Hong Kong, and found the conference to be a valuable experience. Dave is a supervisor with the Department of Corrections, with a long association within community sport and recreation.
Megan Clark
Megan joined the Board in mid 2022. She is a Chartered Accountant specialising in management reporting and forecasting, and is a Partner at McCulloch and Partners. She is passionate about the agri sector and about giving back to the community - two areas she says go hand in hand. Megan also has a young family which keeps her busy.
Kylie McNeilly
Info coming soon