People and culture professional Sam Retallack has been appointed as a director on the Youth Focus Board.
Youth Focus Board Chair Dean Hely said Ms Retallack is a welcome addition to the Board and has been selected for her extensive leadership experience and passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and the youth mental health cause.
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Retallack as a director on the Youth Focus Board,” Mr Hely said.
“Ms Retallack has a wealth of experience in senior management, human resources, consulting and operational roles across a range of industries, and her unparalleled knowledge will be invaluable in driving Youth Focus forward.”
Ms Retallack currently serves as the Chief People Officer at IGO Limited. Her role is focused on providing leadership and oversight of all people and culture activities, including diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, learning and talent development and reinforcing the organisation’s culture, purpose and values.
During her diverse career, Ms Retallack has contributed to the community through extensive pro bono work, particularly through advisory and mentoring roles at AMMA, Women in Mining WA, WA Mining Club, Pride Professionals and the Australian HR Institute. In 2020, Ms Retallack was included as one of the Women in Mining 100 Global Inspirational Women.
Ms Retallack believes she can positively impact youth mental health in her role at Youth Focus.
“I know that early intervention and support for all people can make an enormous difference to the quality of the outcomes that are achieved, and this is particularly the case with mental health support.
“I believe that my experience working with people at all stages of their life and career, across a range of businesses, will be valuable to contributing to the outcomes that Youth Focus can achieve for young people, and as such the mental health of the next generation of our community and workforce.”
Ms Retallack has been appointed to replace outgoing director Paul Larsen, following his seven-year tenure on the Board.
Mr Larsen is acknowledged for his outstanding contributions and leadership through a significant period of organisational change and evolution. Mr Larsen also contributed greatly to Youth Focus and the mental health and wellbeing of young Western Australians through his participation in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth for the past six years.