Declan Executive Officer
Declan Kelly joined the Connellan Airways Trust as Executive Officer in June 2025.
With over a decade of senior experience in not-for-profit leadership, grants administration, stakeholder engagement and national partnerships, Declan brings a practical and strategic approach to supporting remote and regional communities.
Based in outer Melbourne, Declan has spent much of his career working alongside community organisations across Australia, most recently as Head of Development at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. In this role, he oversaw grant and scholarship programs, multi-year investment strategies, national partnerships and funding campaigns supporting more than 500 community media organisations, many in remote areas.
Declan’s background also includes leadership roles in community radio and commercial media, experience in philanthropy and fundraising strategy, and governance expertise as a board member and company secretary. His professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to place-based impact, local leadership and making systems work better for communities.
Alongside formal qualifications in business, not-for-profit leadership and social impact, Declan has participated in leadership development with the Social Impact Hub and McKinsey & Company, and continues to volunteer as a grant assessor and board member within the community sector.
At the Connellan Airways Trust, Declan leads the delivery of grants and scholarships, builds partnerships, and works to grow the Trust’s impact supporting individuals and communities across remote Australia.
