VAC welcomes Chad Hughes as President

Last night, the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) board elected Chad Hughes as President of the
organisation following the resignation of Greg Carter last month.
Hughes was elected to the board in 2014 and has served as the chair to the organisation’s Research, Advice
and Promotion Committee. He has been working extensively in the HIV community for over 15 years. As
a senior manager in the Burnet Institute’s Centre for International Health, he has been leading programs
addressing HIV in low income countries.
Hughes is an adviser to UNICEF, UNAIDS and the World Health Organization on how to work better
with young people from key populations affected by HIV. He has convened the Australian Council for
International Development’s working group on HIV, ensuring health and HIV are well placed in Australia’s
foreign aid program.
“We’re at a pivotal time of change — for the organisation, for the HIV epidemic, and for the LGBTI
community. Our response to those changes will need to be informed by the community we serve,
supported by meaningful partnerships, and executed in collaboration between our volunteers, staff and
board,” said Hughes.
“VAC has begun this process as we’ve responded to the evidence supporting PrEP, undetectable viral load,
and early treatment. Furthermore, we started to make significant strides forward in the complementing
our work in HIV prevention, support, and health promotion through projects and initiatives aimed at
same-sex attracted women, the trans community, and our community members living in regional and rural
settings. With an amazing momentum that has seen us offer rapid testing, alcohol and other drug services,
and our SAMESH program in South Australia, I am honoured to accept the presidency.”
VAC CEO Simon Ruth added, “Chad has brought a wealth of expertise and experience to the board. I have
no doubt that he’ll continue to enhance VAC with his leadership, and I look forward to working with him
more closely as we continue to grow and evolve as an organisation.”