Launch Housing appoints Sherri Bruinhout as new Chief Executive Officer  

Launch Housing is delighted to announce the appointment of Sherri Bruinhout as Chief Executive Officer.

With more than three decades of experience driving innovation and challenging the status quo across Victoria’s housing, homelessness and justice sectors, Sherri brings exceptional leadership credentials to Launch Housing at a pivotal moment in our organisation’s history.

In her most recent role as Executive Director of Homelessness and Housing Support at the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Sherri led transformational change across the state’s homelessness response system. Her achievements include:

• Scaling Victoria’s Housing First responses, making this response now the largest in Australia
• Playing an instrumental role in the establishment of Homes Victoria
• Advocacy embedding homelessness solutions within the Big Housing Build and securing capital investment for Victoria’s homelessness facilities that has lead to the nation’s highest level of supportive housing beds.

Deep frontline experience

Sherri’s leadership approach is grounded in frontline sector experience. She began her career as a youth homelessness support worker in Melbourne’s western suburbs, then working in intake and assessment (IAP), street outreach and case management, before transitioning to senior leadership positions. Her experience spans roles at Yarra City Council as social planner for affordable housing, and Melbourne City Mission where she served as Director for Homelessness and Justice Services.

Shared values and vision

“Launch Housing is an organisation I hold in high esteem, having collaborated with the leadership team for many years,” Sherri said.

“The organisation’s values of being empowering, adaptable, courageous and caring resonate deeply with me. I’m particularly drawn to the importance placed on people, partners and delivering high-quality, person-centred support for community members experiencing or at risk of homelessness. I am now honoured to serve as the new CEO, building on an impressive 60+ year history of impact, particularly through scaling Housing First programs and early interventions to break the cycle of homelessness.”

Building on strong foundations

Board Chair Adam Zaccaria said the appointment comes at an exciting time for Launch Housing.

“As we mark a decade as Launch Housing, we remain steadfast in our mission to end homelessness. Sherri’s breadth of experience, demonstrated leadership strengths, and deep cross-sectoral relationships position us perfectly to grow and strengthen our impact addressing Melbourne’s housing and homelessness challenges.”

The Board extends sincere gratitude to Laura Mahoney for her exceptional leadership as Interim CEO, ensuring Launch Housing enters this new chapter from a position of strength and stability.

Sherri Bruinhout will be based at Launch Housing’s Collingwood head office from Monday 15th September, after commencing as CEO late the prior week. 

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