Meet our new Chair – Adam Zaccaria

Welcome to our new Board Chair Adam Zaccaria

“I’m passionate about connecting people with purpose to make a collective impact and end homelessness.”

1. How did you get involved with Launch and its Board?

I’m currently the General Manager of Transactional Banking at nab. I’ve previously led teams within Corporate and Institutional, Structured Finance, Strategy and Private banking, and have supported a broad range of domestic and offshore clients execute start-up, acquisition, growth and divestment strategies.

When I first started working in banking, I saw how many people live on the edge and how easy it can be for some to get into trouble, and this has stuck with me. I also developed an interest in social impact, and I’m interested in connecting people and capital, with purpose. More recently, I have been focussed on driving a collective impact to end homelessness.

I was initially drawn to Launch as they’re known for being innovative and have demonstrated global leadership to help solve homelessness in Melbourne. I’ve have been on Launch’s Board for two years, and with Neil moving on after 15 years of dedicated service I have stepped up into the Chair role—he has left big shoes to fill.

2. What are you looking forward to the most about your new Chair role at Launch?

As I have already been a Board member for two years, I know the other members, senior executives and the organisation. I have met so many talented people at Launch, and I am looking forward to meeting more in my new role.

I’m proud to be part of an organisations that is making such a difference to so many Victorians, and I’m excited about doing more to assist Launch to achieve its mission and vision.

3. What Launch Housing project or program are you most excited about at the moment?

There are so many amazing projects and programs that it’s hard to just choose one—but the Cornelia Program which helps pregnant women who have experienced homelessness comes to mind, along with Viv’s Place that will change the lives of the 60 women and 130 kids who live there.

Since starting at Launch, I have learnt more about the impact that trauma has on people’s lives and how crucial wraparound services provided through Cornelia and Viv’s Place are and it’s an honour to have played a small role in their establishment.

It’s also amazing that so many donors generously supported Viv’s Place: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation and the Shine On, Ian Potter Foundation and Gandel Foundation, not to mention an amazing private donation nation from Robin Friday allowing Viv’s Place to be completed, so congratulations to the team who pulled that together.

4. Why are you passionate about ending homelessness in Melbourne?

I believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and that everyone deserves to be able to achieve their full potential, so being able to access safe and secure housing is so important.

Not everyone lines up on the same starting line in life, providing access to housing is foundational in giving everyone their best opportunity.

5. What can we expect to see from the Board in the coming 12 months?

The organisation is on the right track, and we’ll keep supporting and enabling Launch to achieve its mission and vision.

It’s truly a great privilege to be the Board Chair, and I look forward to working with other board members to end homelessness in Melbourne.