A New Executive Role to Strengthen Community, Culture and Innovation
Scalabrini Communities has appointed Adam Woods as its inaugural Chief Community and Innovation Officer, a newly created executive role designed to strengthen the organisation’s mission-centred approach to community, customer experience, communications, marketing and innovation.
The appointment marks an important step in Scalabrini’s continued growth, following its recent expansion into South Australia through the acquisition of Saint Hilarion’s services in Adelaide.
As Chief Community and Innovation Officer, Adam will help lead how Scalabrini’s mission is experienced across its communities, services and public presence — with a strong focus on older people from migrant and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Placing Community at the Centre of Care
In a changing aged care landscape, Scalabrini is reinforcing its belief that community is not simply a support function, but a core part of delivering meaningful and culturally relevant care.
The newly created role brings together several key areas under one executive mandate, including community engagement, customer experience, communications, marketing and innovation.
This reflects Scalabrini’s commitment to creating places and services where older people feel known, respected, connected and supported – not only through care, but through belonging.
Innovation With a Human Purpose
For Scalabrini, innovation is not about technology for technology’s sake. It is about finding better, more human ways to support older people, families, staff and communities.
The new role will support Scalabrini’s continued focus on culturally trusted services, meaningful relationships and programs that make life easier, more joyful and more connected for older migrants and their families.
Adam will also continue to lead Scalabrini’s marketing and communications portfolios, Live Easy Social community programs, and the organisation’s work supporting its own migrant workforce.
A Message From Scalabrini CEO Richard de Haast
Scalabrini Chief Executive Officer Richard de Haast said the creation of the role reflects the organisation’s commitment to growing its impact across Australia.
“Scalabrini is in a strong position to grow and expand our impact across Australia,”
Mr de Haast said.
“Creating this role says something about where we are as an organisation. We are dedicating a senior leader to community and innovation because these are the areas that will carry our mission forward and expand our reach.”
A Mission-Led Future
Speaking about the appointment, Adam Woods said he was proud to work for an organisation that keeps its mission at the centre of everything it does.
“Over the past four years we have built a solid foundation. That foundation now gives us the chance to be bolder about how our mission shows up across Australia, inside our communities and out in the wider world,”
Mr Woods said.
“We can and should play a part in making the lives of older migrants easier, more joyful and more connected.”
Continuing to Build Belonging Across Australia
As Scalabrini continues to grow its national footprint, the appointment of a Chief Community and Innovation Officer signals a clear direction: care must be personal, culturally meaningful and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Through this new executive role, Scalabrini will continue building on its mission to support older Australians with dignity, purpose and belonging.
