An ex-mayor who ran for state parliament this year is set to take charge of a group that provides housing solutions for young people with high care needs.
Clare Stewart, the first female mayor of the Noosa Shire, will replace the retiring Greg Johnson as CEO of Brisbane-based not-for-profit Youngcare in February.
Ms Stewart was mayor from 2020 to 2024, before she stepped down from the position to vie for the Queensland electorate of Noosa.
She finished second behind the incumbent, independent Sandy Bolton.
Ms Stewart, who has been a board member of Youngcare for more than six years, said she was inspired by the opportunity to lead the group that supports young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities through specialist disability accommodation, at-home care grants and support navigating the disability sector.
“I am honoured to step into the role of CEO and continue building on the incredible foundation established by Greg Johnson,” she said.
“I have been engaged with Youngcare as an ardent supporter since its inception, and more recently, as a board member.
“I am committed to our team, partners and stakeholders and looking forward to ensuring young people with high care disabilities can live with freedom, dignity and choice. I am extremely excited for this new opportunity.”
Ms Stewart has also been a board member of the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Brisbane 2032) and a barrister as well as a motivational speaker, author and trauma survivor.
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Mr Johnson will step down from the role, in a planned transition, after three years of leadership and service.
He embedded programs, drove significant supporter growth and championed Youngcare during challenging economic times.
During the past year, under his leadership, Youngcare built seven new apartments and two homes in partnership with City of Brisbane Investment Corporation and funded $773,914 for 127 people under the Youngcare Grants Programs.
He said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the organisation and proud of its achievements during his tenure.
“It has been an extraordinary honour to lead Youngcare for the past three years and work alongside such a talented team,” he said.
“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and I can’t think of a more skilled person than Clare Stewart to lead Youngcare into its 20th year.”
Youngcare chair Paul McLean thanked Mr Johnson and said Ms Stewart would thrive in the role.
“On behalf of the Youngcare board, I extend our sincere thanks to Greg Johnson for his leadership and unwavering dedication,” he said.
“Clare is extraordinarily well placed to usher Youngcare into its next era, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter under her guidance.”
