United Nations Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

United Nations Foundation has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and global initiatives.

Driven by a commitment to multilateralism, United Nations Foundation mobilizes resources and expertise to advance UN priorities, addressing humanity's most pressing challenges through collaborative solutions and strategic grant-making.

Leadership Roles at United Nations Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joanne Soojay
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Cousens
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shenae Burgess
  • Chief Operating Officer - Henry De Sio
  • Founder and President of Girl Up Club - Poorvasri Sivakumar
  • Council President - Sudhakar Pandit
  • Global Cooperation Society International President - Yehin Kim
  • Chief Medical Officer - Lee Norman
  • Joanne Soojay - Chief Executive Officer

    Joanne Soojay, the Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution of the organization. Overseeing all major initiatives, Soojay ensures alignment with the Foundation's core mission to strengthen support for the United Nations and amplify its global impact. This leadership role involves cultivating key relationships with philanthropic institutions, corporations, and government entities to mobilize essential resources. By driving strategic partnerships, Joanne Soojay enhances the Foundation's capacity to address pressing global challenges. The Chief Executive Officer's purview includes guiding advocacy efforts and communications to foster collaborative solutions. This executive ensures the Foundation's continued role as a critical bridge between the UN system and diverse funding sources, thereby advancing UN priorities across the international development landscape.

    Elizabeth Cousens - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Elizabeth Cousens, the President & Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, spearheads the organization's strategic vision and global outreach. Guiding the Foundation's efforts to strengthen support for the United Nations, Cousens orchestrates initiatives that amplify the UN's international impact. This executive role involves fostering critical alliances with diverse stakeholders, including major donors and international bodies, to mobilize vital resources. By championing multilateral cooperation, Elizabeth Cousens ensures the Foundation effectively addresses humanity's most pressing challenges. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass driving policy dialogue and advocating for collaborative solutions. Through strategic leadership, Elizabeth Cousens solidifies the Foundation's position as a key facilitator of private capital for multilateral development work.

    Shenae Burgess - Chief Financial Officer

    Shenae Burgess, the Chief Financial Officer at United Nations Foundation, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Burgess ensures robust financial planning and reporting to support the Foundation's mission of strengthening UN support. This critical role involves managing budgets, optimizing investment strategies, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By directing financial stewardship, Shenae Burgess enables the Foundation to effectively mobilize resources for UN programs and initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to advising on financial implications of strategic partnerships and grant-making. Through meticulous financial oversight, Shenae Burgess directly contributes to the Foundation's capacity to fund and advance global development work.
    Shenae Burgess

    Henry De Sio - Chief Operating Officer

    Henry De Sio, the Chief Operating Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the operational framework and efficiency of the organization's global activities. Overseeing day-to-day management, De Sio ensures seamless execution of programs and initiatives that bolster support for the United Nations. This executive role involves optimizing internal processes, managing cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring resources are deployed effectively to maximize global impact. By driving operational excellence, Henry De Sio enhances the Foundation's ability to mobilize funding and expertise. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include implementing strategic plans and fostering a culture of accountability. Through effective operational leadership, Henry De Sio supports the Foundation's critical bridge-building between the UN system and its diverse funding partners.

    Poorvasri Sivakumar - Founder and President of Girl Up Club

    Poorvasri Sivakumar, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club at United Nations Foundation, champions youth leadership and engagement in global development. Spearheading the Girl Up initiative, Sivakumar empowers young women to become advocates for gender equality and social change, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission. This role involves developing leadership training programs, organizing global events, and mobilizing young people to support UN priorities. By fostering a vibrant network of young leaders, Poorvasri Sivakumar amplifies the voices of the next generation. The Founder and President's responsibilities include building strategic partnerships with educational institutions and youth organizations. Through dedicated leadership, Poorvasri Sivakumar drives impactful change and cultivates a new wave of global problem-solvers.

    Sudhakar Pandit - Council President

    Sudhakar Pandit, the Council President at United Nations Foundation, presides over key deliberative bodies that guide the organization's strategic direction. Leading council meetings, Pandit ensures productive discussions and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders focused on strengthening UN support. This executive role involves facilitating dialogue on critical global issues and advising on policy recommendations that align with the Foundation's mission. By fostering collaborative governance, Sudhakar Pandit enhances the Foundation's ability to mobilize resources effectively. The Council President's responsibilities include overseeing the strategic planning process and ensuring alignment with UN priorities. Through effective leadership of the council, Sudhakar Pandit contributes to the Foundation's impactful work in international development.

    Yehin Kim - Global Cooperation Society International President

    Yehin Kim, the Global Cooperation Society International President at United Nations Foundation, drives international collaboration and partnership initiatives. Leading the Global Cooperation Society, Kim fosters cross-border alliances to advance the Foundation's mission of strengthening support for the United Nations. This role involves identifying opportunities for joint projects, facilitating knowledge exchange, and building bridges between diverse international actors. By promoting global cooperation, Yehin Kim enhances the Foundation's capacity to address complex global challenges. The Global Cooperation Society International President's responsibilities include representing the Foundation in international forums and advocating for multilateral solutions. Through dedicated leadership, Yehin Kim strengthens the network of partners committed to global progress.

    Lee Norman - Chief Medical Officer

    Lee Norman, the Chief Medical Officer at United Nations Foundation, provides critical health expertise and guidance across the organization's global initiatives. Overseeing health-related strategies, Norman ensures that public health considerations are integrated into programs aimed at strengthening UN support and addressing pressing global challenges. This leadership position involves advising on health policy, evaluating health impacts of development projects, and fostering collaborations with global health organizations. By directing medical insights, Lee Norman enhances the Foundation's capacity to support UN health priorities. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include staying abreast of emerging health crises and advising on effective response mechanisms. Through expert medical counsel, Lee Norman contributes significantly to the Foundation's mission of advancing global well-being.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding United Nations Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads United Nations Foundation?
    United Nations Foundation is led by Joanne Soojay (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Elizabeth Cousens (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Shenae Burgess (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of United Nations Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of United Nations Foundation includes leaders such as Joanne Soojay (Chief Executive Officer), Elizabeth Cousens (President & Chief Executive Officer), Shenae Burgess (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does United Nations Foundation have?
    United Nations Foundation has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in United Nations Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of United Nations Foundation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Founder and President of Girl Up Club.