Centre for Social Impact (CSI) has announced public policy leader Arminé Nalbandian as its new Chief Executive Officer, following her most recent role as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy to the New South Wales Premier.
Nalbandian is a US Fulbright Scholar and has worked with governments and not-for-profits advising on social policy and economic development strategies, including for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia and US state governments.
Nalbandian’s broad experience and deep interest in social impact – along with her practical understanding of how policy plays out on the ground and expertise in working with diverse groups of stakeholders – made her the ideal appointment for CSI.
“CSI is already a world class organisation – it will be my job to broaden and deepen CSI’s footprint as a national leader on social impact,” Nalbandian said.
“I’m extremely passionate about translating rigorous academic research into practical applications for businesses and their ESG policies, governments, and the social sector. I’m looking forward to working with CSI’s national team of experts, and its expansive network of partners and for-purpose organisations to continue to advance the real-life, boots-on-the-ground impact of social policy.”
CSI welcomed the appointment of Nalbandian, outlining how she will lead the organisation with innovation and integrity – and bring her international lens to key domestic issues.
“Arminé is an inspiring choice for CEO of CSI based on her deep knowledge of public policy, her strong desire to promote social impact in a non-partisan way, and the international regard in which she is held when it comes to agenda-setting in the social impact space,” said Professor Peter Shergold, founding CEO and now Chair of CSI.
Nalbandian will operate from the offices of the UNSW Business School in Sydney.
“We are excited to welcome Arminé to the UNSW Business School leadership team, and the broader UNSW community, as we drive forward our focus and contribution towards advancing social impact and sustainability through our transformative education and research,” said Professor Chris Styles, Dean of UNSW Business School.
Nalbandian graduated summa cum laude as a Presidential Scholar from Northeastern University in Boston and holds a Master of Science in International Development from the London School of Economics as a Luys Scholar, along with a Master of Commerce in Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Sydney as a Business Leaders Scholar.
She will officially start her new role at CSI at the start of May 2022.
