Centre for Social Impact Appoints Rosemary Conn as Acting CEO

The Centre for Social Impact is pleased to announce that respected for-purpose leader Rosemary Conn will join its team as acting CEO, stepping in for CEO Arminé Nalbandian as she takes parental leave throughout 2026.

Ms Conn brings extensive experience across the not-for-profit, philanthropy and social impact sectors, including nine years as the inaugural CEO of Australian Schools Plus, where she built the organisation from the ground up. Under her leadership, Schools Plus raised more than $60 million and delivered measurable outcomes for over 500,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage nationwide.

CEO Arminé Nalbandian said she was delighted to be leaving the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) in such capable hands.

“Rosemary is deeply aligned with our purpose of igniting positive, lasting social change for people and communities through education, research and engagement,” Ms Nalbandian said. “We are proud to have her bring her rich knowledge, leadership experience and commitment to social justice impact to this role.”

Recognised in both The Australian Financial Review’s ‘100 Women of Influence’ and The CEO Magazine’s Not for Profit Leaders of the Year, Ms Conn currently serves as Chair of the Beacon Foundation.

Her career spans senior roles at Deloitte, the Beacon Foundation and Australian Schools Plus, as well as extensive work with not-for-profits, business, philanthropy and government.

Ms Conn said she was eager to build on CSI’s momentum and continue its work across the social economy.

“This is an amazing organisation with a powerful mission, and I’m looking forward to working with its talented team and partners across sectors to drive meaningful social change,” Ms Conn said.
“I’m passionate about building strong organisations, developing strategy and fostering the relationships that enable communities to thrive.”

Originally from the UK, Ms Conn holds a double Master’s in International Business from the University of Edinburgh and Université Paris Dauphine. She began her career as a management consultant in London before moving to Sydney in 2006, where she has since dedicated her work to advancing social justice and cross sector collaboration.

Ms Nalbandian will take parental leave from the end of March and return in 2027.