10am – 10.45am AEDT, 24 November 2026 ‐ 45 mins
Plenary 2

Director of Community and Philanthropy, Australian Communities Foundation

Director of Community and Philanthropy, Australian Communities Foundation
Carly Severino is a strategic philanthropic leader known for combining visionary thinking with practical execution to drive meaningful, sustainable social impact. With deep expertise in philanthropy, intergenerational wealth, social investment and community building, she has led transformative programs across Australia’s most respected organisations. As Director of Community and Philanthropy at Australian Communities Foundation, Carly oversees three national teams and plays a critical role on the Senior Executive, strengthening relationships with more than 700 Funds and Foundations, elevating best‑practice philanthropy, and modernising the Foundation’s approach to education, engagement and storytelling.
Carly previously served as Executive Officer of the Betty Amsden Foundation. Prior to this, she spent seven years with the Private Wealth Network, working closely with families of significant wealth to deepen impact and support next‑generation engagement. Carly is a respected facilitator, speaker and advisor within the philanthropic and family wealth ecosystems. She holds a Masters in Social Investment and Philanthropy from Swinburne University.