Australian Communities Foundation is delighted to welcome two new Directors to our Board: Kate Fazio and Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience across social impact and governance, strengthening our capacity to serve our giving community.
Kate Fazio comes to Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) with a track record of designing solutions that break down barriers and create impact at scale. Over 12 years at Justice Connect, she led the design and development of innovative digital tools and programs such as the global Pro Bono Portal, a diagnostic AI system and an outreach program that now connects hundreds of thousands of people with legal help.
Through her consulting business, Kate advises clients on a range of social impact, social investment, innovation, technology and legal industry issues. She specialises in designing initiatives that leverage new thinking in social innovation and technology to deliver impact at scale.
I’m excited to contribute my experience in innovation and systems design to help the Foundation continue to support positive impact
“ACF plays a unique role supporting best-practice structured giving in Australia, providing critical infrastructure and advice to hundreds of Funds,” said Kate, reflecting on her decision to join the Board. “I’m excited to contribute my experience in innovation and systems design to help the Foundation continue to grow its reach and support positive impact for communities across the country.”
For Tessa Boyd-Caine, the thread running through her career has been a commitment to justice and wellbeing. Originally a criminologist, she has worked in health, criminal justice and human rights organisations in Australia and internationally. In February 2025, she was appointed CEO of Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS). Previously, Tessa was the founding CEO of Health Justice Australia and Deputy CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).
Philanthropy is still sometimes seen as a one-way act of generosity, but real change happens when giving becomes a genuine partnership
Tessa is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was the inaugural Fulbright Professional Scholar in Nonprofit Leadership. She combines her passions for enabling young people to thrive and for arts and culture as Chair of Gondwana Choirs. She is also the Chair of the Australian Pro Bono Centre, providing leadership for the growth and excellence of pro bono legal services.
Reflecting on her new role, Tessa said she is particularly excited by ACF’s commitment to working in partnership with communities.
“Philanthropy is still sometimes seen as a one-way act of generosity, but real change happens when giving becomes a genuine partnership. Communities bring knowledge, experience, and resources of their own, and philanthropists have much to learn from them. I’m looking forward to helping ACF continue to build philanthropy as an act of partnership – one that fosters deeper collaboration and greater impact.”
Tessa and Kate are both extraordinary leaders… Their diverse expertise will help guide ACF through its next strategic phase
ACF Chair Fiona McLeay said the appointments come at an exciting time for the Foundation.
“Tessa and Kate are both extraordinary leaders who share our vision for a fairer and more sustainable Australia. Their diverse expertise will help guide ACF through its next strategic phase and deepen our impact with our growing giving community.”
