Connect with Our Team
We invite you to reach out to the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres with any questions or for support. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with inquiries regarding governance, policies, or membership. Together, let’s work towards building stronger communities around the globe.
Meet Our Dedicated Staff Team
The IFS Board is supported by our small but dedicated staff team, who are committed to driving meaningful change through diverse expertise. Guided and hosted by the Local Community Services Association (LCSA) of NSW, Australia, the team works tirelessly to support and empower the network worldwide.
IFS Executive Director
Can Yaşmutserves as the Executive Director of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS), leading the organisation’s global governance, policy development, and strategic growth agenda. He oversees the international host office, based in Sydney and guided by the Local Community Services Association (LCSA), where he also continues to serve as CEO.
Bringing more than a decade of senior leadership experience in the community sector, Yaşmut has an extensive background in policy analysis, social innovation, and community development. His career includes roles Chief Executive of LCSA, along with earlier positions in sector development, community resource coordination, and advocacy across NSW and national organisations.
Internationally, he provides strategic direction in strengthening the IFS global network, guiding cross‑regional cooperation, and aligning organisational priorities with the federation’s long-term vision.
M: +61 458 250 171
can@lcsansw.org.au
IFS Operations Manager
Contracted through his business Provocare Coaching by the LCSA Host Office,Michael oversaw the full transition of IFS operations from Finland to Sydney and continues to maintain the operational and development functions of the Host Office.
He provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership to ensure continuity, effective program implementation, and responsive support to members.
Michael manages day‑to‑day operational systems, strengthens organisational processes, and addresses membership needs while driving ongoing development of IFS’s global infrastructure.
He is also the CEO of Counterpoint Communtiy Services in Syndey
P: +61 413 124 61
MShreenan@counterpointcs.org.au
Junias Kanyinda
Junias Kanyinda, Regional Outreach & Engagement Coordinator –
IFS North America & Africa
Junias Kanyinda is an international network strategist contracted by Goddard Riverside Community Center in New York to support the International Federation of Settlements (IFS). She focuses on strengthening regional engagement, global partnerships, and UN advocacy across the Americas and Africa. With nearly a decade of experience working across Europe, Africa, North America, and the UN system, she leads cross‑regional coordination, membership growth, and sustainable communication structures. Junias has facilitated international study visits, supported cross‑continental partnerships, and maintained IFS’s operational role within UN accreditation processes. She is recognized for her relational leadership and commitment to elevating local community voices in global advocacy spaces.
P: +358 50 596 4507📧jkanyinda@goddard.org
IFS Community Coordinator –Germany
Philipp, based in Berlin at NUSZ (Neighbourhood and Self‑Help Centre at ufaFabrik), supports community‑based social development locally while strengthening connections between German neighbourhood centres and the International Federation of Settlement and Neighbourhood Centres. As IFS Community Coordinator – Germany, he builds relationships across the national ecosystem, promotes workshops and exchanges, and develops feedback loops that surface what centres need on the ground so these insights inform IFS priorities. He also contributes to clearer communication and smarter use of data, turning learning into practical stories, engagement tools, and measurable outcomes. Philipp focuses on relationship building, knowledge exchange, advocacy, and organisational development across the movement.
📧philipp.wilkening@nusz.de
Melissa Aase
President, International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS)
Melissa Aase serves as the President of the IFS Board, bringing over 30 years of leadership and community advocacy experience. As the CEO of University Settlement Society in New York City, Melissa is dedicated to fostering equity, inclusion, and growth within diverse communities. Her visionary leadership focuses on strengthening local impact and connecting it globally, aligning with IFS’s mission to empower communities, promote equality.
Contact US
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