Executive Team

Dr Tim McDonald - Chief Executive Officer

Tim joined the Y in 2021, with over 20 years experience leading change in education systems and the philanthropic sector.

His background has seen him leading work for Catholic Education WA and the Minderoo Foundation, working on projects in areas of leadership, student engagement, well-being and innovation in the fields of education, youth justice and employment. More recently he was Education Lead for Knowledge Society, where he co-developed a strategy of professional learning to enhance the capacity of school leaders and teachers to improve student achievement. Prior to this, Dr Tim McDonald was CEO of Generation One, an organisation founded by the Minderoo Foundation to end Indigenous disparity within one generation.

The culmination of his experiences supporting young people aligns him perfectly with the values of the Y. He believes that empowering and inspiring young people is what’s at the heart of thriving communities where all people flourish.

Diana Versace - Chief Financial Officer

Diana came to the Y in 2011, having previously held a number of finance-related senior executive positions. She has a remarkable depth of professional experience, including business and finance management, analysis, compliance, forecasting, broking and business improvement.

As well as very sound financial capabilities, Diana brings dynamic strategic and leadership skills. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Business Degree and professional memberships to CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The Y’s work with young people and regional communities inspires Diana in her work. She gets immense satisfaction bringing her financial and business acumen to an organisation that focusses on the long term wellbeing of Western Australians.

Her love of being around people has seen her volunteer with WA charities and events over many years. She has held various Board membership with her latest being Board Member/Treasurer of the WA Amateur Football League inspired by her love of footy. Diana also has a secret desire to be a snake handler, after being captivated by her first “safe” snake encounter a decade ago.

Grant Yonge - Executive Manager Strategy, Governance and Administration

Joining the Y in 2016 was a natural fit for Grant, whose developing passions for community organisations and youth have become hallmarks of his personal and professional life.

Grant has an extensive background in Customer Service and Process Improvement with several iconic WA brand names. It is the cross-over potential of these skills, along with his passion for connecting people and their work to strategic outcomes that guides his effort at the Y.

Grant’s executive responsibility includes oversight of Strategy Implementation, Governance and Administration and it is the diversity of those portfolios and their ability to drive great outcomes across the Y that feed Grant’s passion for people and outcomes.

Grant’s qualifications include a degree in Business Management, a certification in Customer Service Management and a diploma in Front Line Management.

Away from work, you’ll find Grant running the boundary or coaching with his two son's junior sporting clubs, (South Perth Junior Football and Manning Magic Basketball) or following his three main passions of long distance running, water-skiing and music.

Allison Ross - Executive Manager People and Culture

Allison brings with her a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience with her most recent role being the Director People & Culture at the Lion’s Eye Institute. She has also held senior leadership roles in HR at Bethanie, the University of Western Australia, and BT Financial Group.

As a strategic leader, qualified human resources practitioner and change manager, with experience gained in commercial and not-for-profit organisations, Allison will guide us through our strategic journey to make The Y an even better place to work. Allison’s background and capabilities make her well suited to this strategic role.

Originally from the UK, Allison and her family have called Australia home for the last 22 years. Outside of work Allison enjoys walking, running (slowly), hiking and reading - and as a family they love to travel. Allison loves to work with teams and leaders to create environments where people can thrive, grow, and do their best each day. “I’m really excited to join the Y and contribute to the growth of the organisation and its people - and to deliver some really fun stuff!” said Allison.