The Lifeline Direct Executive Team are responsible for leading Lifeline Direct toward meeting the mission of an 'Australia free of suicide'.
We are here to make sure that no-one has to face their darkest moments alone and we aim to do this by making sure we are available for people in a time, place and a way in which they seek our help.
Robert Sams is the CEO, Lifeline Direct Ltd (LLD), Member of the Executive Leadership Team, Lifeline Australia (LLA).
Rob’s role is to provide direction, purpose and vision that in turn makes sure that our efforts are focused on those who seek our help and that the services we provide make an impact.
“Lifeline has a proud history of being in community, for community and with community, and this aligns well with my personal values”.
Melissa Sams is the Chief of Staff. Melissa’s role is to lead strategy through leadership and execution, working closely with the Executive Directors to delivery strategic success. I am focused on ensuring delivery and operational challenges are supported and resolved, leaving our CEO to focus on the external considerations of our organisation.
“Every single person in the organisation contributes to the overall goal of assisting our community through crisis support and suicide prevention”.
Jenny Cappellacci is the Executive Director Social Enterprise & Community at LLD. Jenny leads the team that manages LLD’s social enterprise and community capacity building activities, such as retail and skills-for-life training. Along with our University Crisis Line, these important functions provide valuable funding for our essential services.
“I see my role as an exciting and rewarding opportunity to lead social enterprise activities in an organisation whose core mission is to be, in community, with community, and for community”.
Michael Were is the Executive Director – Fundraising, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations. Michael leads our teams that are devoted to ensuring that we have the resources needed so that we are able to deliver Crisis Support, Counselling, suicide prevention and community programs across the three states that Lifeline Direct operates.
“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”