Ian Bird became CEO of the Victoria Foundation in 2026, marking a return to his West Coast roots after years of leadership on the national and international stage. A respected leader in the community foundation sector, Ian has built a career around advancing philanthropy, collective action and network leadership. Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation, he served as CEO of Community Foundations Australia from 2023 to 2026 and previously led Community Foundations of Canada from 2011 to 2020. He also chaired the Global Fund for Community Foundations from 2021 to 2025, helping strengthen community philanthropy worldwide. Before his work in the charitable sector, Ian was a passionate advocate for sport and community development, serving as a senior leader with the Sport Matters Group and as Chair of AthletesCAN. A two-time Olympian in field hockey, he represented Canada at the 1988 Seoul and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Today, he continues to contribute to civic leadership through his involvement with the Wasan Network.
