Community Foundations Australia appoints Co-CEOs to lead next phase of growth

Community Foundations Australia (CFAus) has appointed Georgia Mathews and Dylan Smith as co-CEOs, marking a significant leadership transition as the organisation enters its next phase. 

The announcement follows news that current CEO Ian Bird will conclude his role at the end of May, returning to Canada after three years of leadership that helped strengthen and connect the national community foundations network. During his tenure, Bird positioned CFAus as a more future-focused organisation, deepening relationships and supporting the growth of community-led philanthropy. 

Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey welcomed the appointments, highlighting the importance of strong, connected leadership across the sector. 

“Community Foundations Australia does incredible work connecting people to the places and causes they care most about,” Maree said. “Georgia and Dylan are a fantastic pairing of leaders. Between them, they bring real energy, strong relationships and a shared commitment to growing this work across the country.” 

Georgia Mathews, former Director of Philanthropy at Australian Communities Foundation, is the founder of GiveOUT (now Rainbow Giving Australia), a national organisation that mobilises funding for LGBTQIA+ communities, and has long supported donors, institutions and community foundations to rethink how resources flow.

Dylan Smith, currently Senior Director of Foundation and Field Development at CFAus, has been a champion of community foundations in Australia for more than 15 years. He is a former State Manager WA at Philanthropy Australia and was the founding Executive Officer of the Fremantle Foundation. 

Maree also acknowledged Ian Bird’s contribution. 

“Ian strengthened the community foundations network and helped it find its voice more broadly. He has changed the trajectory of community philanthropy in this country. We’re genuinely grateful for everything he’s given to the role, and we wish him every success as he heads back to Canada.” 

The transition comes amid growing recognition of the role place-based philanthropy plays in mobilising generosity, strengthening communities and supporting long-term social change.