Meet our leadership team

Robert Sams is the CEO Lifeline Direct Ltd (LLD). His role is to provide direction, purpose and vision that in turn makes sure that our efforts are focused on those who seek our help.

“Lifeline has a proud history of being in community, for community and with community, and this aligns well with my personal values”.

Jenny Cappellacci is the General Manager, Finance and Commercial. Jenny leads the team that manages and supports Lifeline Direct’s financial management and reporting systems. Jenny also oversee the organisation’s commercial activities, such as retail, that provide valuable funding for our essential services.

“I see my role as an exciting and rewarding opportunity to support the community with an organisation whose core mission is central to both strategic and operational conversations”.

Melissa Sams is the General Manager, People & Capability. Melissa’s role is to support and engage staff and volunteers on all things “people” related and in doing so lead a culture that is focused on our mission.

“Every single person in the organisation contributes to the overall goal of assisting our community through crisis support and suicide prevention”.

Michael Were is the Regional General Manager Northern NSW. It is Michaels’ responsibility to oversee Lifeline’s operations across the region and supports the development of services, including the national 13 11 14 crisis support line, telehealth video counselling, community and corporate training, and volunteer and community engagement.

“Lifeline plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe. It is incredibly rewarding to play a part in ensuring that no one faces their darkest moments alone”

Susan’s role is to provide strategic direction to Lifeline Direct’s Digital, Community and Counselling Services, helping to build capacity in our people, processes and systems to provide quality services to Australian’s reaching out for support.