Archbishop Peter Jensen announced this morning the appointment of the Rev Zachary (Zac) Veron as the new CEO of Anglican Youthworks.
Zac is currently the rector of St George North Anglican Church, a parish that has grown from 75 adults since he began his ministry there in 1996 to over 500 people now.
"Leading a church that, under God, has grown around me over the last 11 years, has been very formative of me as a leader of God's people," Zac says.
Zac will take up the position in mid-August, which will enable him to lead St George North through its May mission.
"I want to make sure that when I leave St George North my brothers and sisters there will be well-positioned for a change of leadership," he says.
Bishop Glenn Davies of North Sydney, Chairman of the Youthworks Council, is delighted with this new appointment.
"Zac has an accountancy background and has demonstrated in the past outstanding leadership qualities in his present position as Rector of St George North," says Bishop Davies.
"We believe that Zac's commitment to bringing the gospel to children and youth will enable Youthworks to develop and grow into the future."
Anglican Youthworks has a $12 million annual budget and a staff of 120 people.
The organisation's key ministry areas are the Youthworks College, publishing resources and training for parish and school ministry, and conference centres at Port Hacking, Nowra and Springwood.
"Our aim is to bring many more young people to know Jesus, and then to equip them to mature as Christians, with a view to them also playing an active part in the expansion of God's kingdom and serving him in this world," says Zac.
Zac is also excited about the potential global impact of the "unique and significant ministry" of Anglican Youthworks.
"There is nothing quite like Youthworks anywhere in the Christian world," he says. "I am praying God will use us to reach many more young people for Christ globally."
Zac is a member of Standing Committee and the Diocesan Mission Board. He is also the Chairman of Evangelism Ministries, a General Synod representative and Director of the Anglican Long Service Leave Fund.
Zac is married to Sheree, who currently oversees women's ministry at St George North. They have three teenage daughters.
