Ian Bird

Ian Bird assumed the role of CEO at Community Foundations Australia in 2023. He is a seasoned executive in the community foundation sector and innovator in the field of collective action and network leadership, largely exercised during his tenure as CEO at Community Foundations of Canada (2011 – 2020) and as Chair of the GFCF (2021 – 2025). He is a former sport advocate as Senior Leader of the Sport Matters Group (2024 – 2010) and Chair of AthletesCAN, applying lessons learned as an Olympian in field hockey, having represented Canada at the Summer Olympics in Sydney (2000) and Seoul (1988). Beyond the GFCF, Ian’s civic engagements currently include contributions as a member of the Wasan Network, as a director of the Community Forward Fund. Melbourne is now home for Ian on the heels of twenty years residing in rural Quebec and an upbringing in Vancouver and Salt Spring Island.