Leaders of Excellence: Katherine Maskell

"Young people teach you quickly that leadership isn't about authority, it's about authenticity."

For Katherine Maskell, leadership is about walking alongside others – creating stability, fostering belief and helping people see what’s possible for their future.

As the lead of the Transition to Adulthood program across Townsville and Mount Isa, Katherine supports young people aged 15–25 as they navigate independence, identity and the challenges of growing into adulthood. Her focus is twofold: strengthening her team and ensuring each young person receives consistent, meaningful support no matter where they are on their journey. 

Relationships matter

Working across regional and remote communities brings added complexity, but it also reinforces what matters most. Katherine is passionate about building strong relationships, coordinating services and creating clear, personalised pathways in areas like education, employment and wellbeing. At its core, her work is about creating connection and opportunity for young people who may not have always experienced it.

Culture and connection

What draws Katherine to Churches of Christ is the genuine commitment to care embedded in its culture. She values the organisation’s focus on holistic wellbeing and its belief in empowering people rather than simply doing things for them.

“It’s about walking alongside young people, not directing them,” she explains. 

That philosophy comes to life in the moments that energise her most – when young people begin to trust, speak up and take steps toward independence. Just as powerful is seeing her team grow in confidence and capability, building strong, authentic relationships that make a lasting difference.

Leadership grounded in values

Katherine’s leadership is grounded in values, particularly compassion. She sees firsthand how a consistent, supportive environment can help young people rebuild trust and develop a sense of belonging. For those transitioning to adulthood, especially in regional communities, connection can be life changing.

She credits her leadership style to mentors and experiences that emphasised calm, relational and values-driven approaches. Over time, she has learned that leadership is less about authority and more about authenticity, empathy and service.

Shared sense of purpose

One of her proudest moments has been watching the growth of her program – not just in scale, but in spirit. Every new referral is embraced as an opportunity to support someone new, with her team bringing genuine enthusiasm and care to each connection.

“It’s not about numbers, it’s about values,” she says.

Katherine describes her team as resilient, compassionate and deeply committed, navigating the challenges of regional service delivery with creativity and heart. This shared sense of purpose creates an environment where both staff and young people can thrive.

Clear focus, powerful impact

Looking ahead, her focus remains clear: helping young people feel capable, valued and hopeful about their future. By building a strong team culture centred on listening, empowerment and trust, she is creating the conditions for meaningful, lasting change.

To stay grounded, Katherine keeps her focus simple – setting daily intentions and reflecting on small wins. It’s a reminder that even the smallest steps forward can be powerful.

At its heart, her leadership is about presence, purpose and possibility – ensuring every young person feels supported to take their next step with confidence.