A message from the Co-Chairs: Announcement of new Philanthropy Australia CEO

Philanthropy Australia (PA), the national peak body for philanthropy, announces the appointment of Maree Sidey as its new CEO, commencing 1 June 2024.

Maree joins PA after nine successful years as CEO of Australian Communities Foundation (ACF), Australia’s only nationally-focused community foundation. 

Maree is a passionate For Purpose/Social Business leader and social change advocate, a specialist in strategy, advocacy, communication, and transformative change. She is an experienced CEO with an outstanding reputation for leading purpose driven organisations in Australia. She has also held Non-Executive Director roles at Community Foundations of Australia, Australian Progress, Philanthropy Australia and Confident Girls Foundation.

Maree joined ACF as Chief Executive Officer in 2015, and in that time has transformed the organisation to a premier provider of philanthropic services and an influential advocate for social and environmental change in Australia. 

In announcing Maree’s appointment, Philanthropy Australia Co-Chairs, Amanda Miller OAM and Lisa George said, “Following an extensive search, we are delighted to have an outstanding and respected leader like Maree to lead PA.  Maree’s track record of building one of Australia’s largest and most respected giving communities will help propel PA forward on its mission towards more and better philanthropy in Australia. We are confident that Maree will build on the strategic platform set by our outgoing CEO, Jack Heath AM.”

“I am delighted to be joining the talented team at Philanthropy Australia. I have spent the past decade finding and inspiring generous Australians who want to make a difference with their giving, and this is a fantastic opportunity to build on that experience. I look forward to engaging with PA members and supporters across Australia, and working together to continue to strengthen and grow our sector,” said Maree Sidey.

Prior to her time in philanthropy Maree has held executive roles in some of Australia’s leading NGOs including, Director of Community Programs at Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Director of Communications and Public Relations at headspace, and Head of Corporate Affairs at Orygen youth health. She started her career as a social worker in family services at Berry Street.

Her contributions to the For Purpose sector have been recognised by Fellowships/Scholarships from: the Centre for Social Impact (2017), the Harvard Club of Australia (2014), and Chief Executive Women (2012). She holds an MBA specialising in Social Impact from UNSW and has completed the Harvard Strategic Leadership Course for Non-Profit Leaders. Maree will work with PA’s current CEO Jack Heath on a handover, especially with regard to our upcoming conference. Maree is looking forward to building on Philanthropy Australia’s progress to date.