Sarah Hardy to be new PA Deputy CEO

Philanthropy Australia’s CEO Maree Sidey has announced that Sarah Hardy has accepted the role of Deputy CEO of Philanthropy Australia.

Sarah has more than 30 years of cross-sector leadership experience spanning philanthropy, local government, and the not-for-profit sector. For the past eight years, she has served as Chief Executive Officer of the R E Ross Trust, where she led the organisation through a period of strategic change and elevated its impact through values-driven grantmaking.

Maree said that Sarah’s appointment brings invaluable experience, energy, and insight to our team as we continue to advance a more vibrant, effective, and inclusive philanthropic sector. “Sarah joins Philanthropy Australia at a pivotal moment, bringing with her a strong track record of influence and impact to help shape the next chapter of the organisation’s work,” Maree said.

In reflecting on what she is most looking forward to, in joining PA, Sarah said: “I’m excited to collaborate with a diverse network of philanthropic leaders and peers to advance bold initiatives that strengthen the role of philanthropy. Contributing my experience and values toward shaping a more inclusive and impactful sector is both energising and deeply meaningful to me.

“There is enormous breadth and depth of philanthropic and civil sector experience across the country, and I’m looking forward to supporting Maree and the team in delivering what I’m sure will be a bold and forward-thinking new strategy.”

Sarah is known for her deep expertise in governance, strategic leadership, philanthropy, organisational culture, risk management, communications, fundraising, and reputation management. Her leadership is grounded in a long-standing commitment to systemic change and ethical practice.

Sarah’s professional experience is underpinned by academic study at leading institutions, including the University of Melbourne, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed the Executive Colloquium at the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.

She currently serves as a Director of Community Foundations Australia, Director of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), is a board member of the Southside Community Foundation. Sarah is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Centre for Social Impact’s new education offering, The Giving Academy.

Sarah is based in Melbourne and will be starting at Philanthropy Australia on Monday 6 October.