United Nations Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

Joanne Soojay, the Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Soojay architects high-level partnerships that bridge the gap between private philanthropic capital and critical United Nations development programs. By aligning organizational goals with international policy priorities, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that resources reach the most vulnerable populations across the globe. Soojay manages complex stakeholder relationships, including government entities and corporate donors, to sustain long-term funding streams. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of global development trends to pivot advocacy efforts toward emerging humanitarian crises. Through rigorous oversight of grant-making processes, Joanne Soojay maintains the integrity and impact of the Foundation's charitable mission. Ultimately, Soojay drives the organizational commitment to multilateralism, ensuring that the Foundation remains a primary source of private support for the United Nations system.

Elizabeth Cousens, the President & Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, leads the executive team in executing the core mission of supporting United Nations initiatives. Cousens oversees the integration of strategic advocacy with direct funding mechanisms to maximize the Foundation's influence on the international development landscape. By convening global experts and decision-makers, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters collaborative solutions to complex problems such as climate change and public health. Elizabeth Cousens manages the operational alignment between the Foundation and the United Nations system, ensuring that all programs reflect current global priorities. This role requires constant engagement with international policy frameworks to maintain the Foundation's position as a leader in multilateral support. Through the development of innovative communication strategies, Cousens amplifies the visibility of UN programs, securing necessary political will and financial backing for sustainable development goals.

Walter Cortes, the Chief Financial Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Cortes manages the allocation of private capital to ensure that grant-making activities effectively support United Nations programs. By overseeing rigorous financial reporting and compliance standards, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the trust of philanthropic institutions and individual donors. Walter Cortes architects investment strategies that provide the necessary liquidity for long-term development projects across the international landscape. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to ensure that financial resources align with the Foundation's strategic advocacy goals. Through the optimization of budget management, Cortes supports the expansion of programs that address global humanitarian needs. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required for the organization to continue its role as a critical bridge between private funding and multilateral development work.

Henry De Sio, the Chief Operating Officer at United Nations Foundation, manages the internal infrastructure and administrative systems that support the organization's global mission. De Sio architects efficient workflows that allow the Foundation to deploy resources rapidly in response to international emergencies. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that advocacy campaigns and grant-making activities remain agile and effective. Henry De Sio oversees the coordination of cross-departmental teams, facilitating seamless communication between policy experts and operational staff. This leadership role involves implementing robust project management frameworks to track the impact of various UN-supported initiatives. Through the continuous improvement of organizational systems, De Sio supports the Foundation's ability to scale its operations across diverse geographic regions. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability required to sustain long-term philanthropic commitments and maintain high standards of accountability.

Sudhakar Pandit, the Council President at United Nations Foundation, leads the advisory council in shaping the long-term strategic direction of the organization. Pandit architects high-level policy dialogues that connect the Foundation with key decision-makers in the international development sector. By facilitating consensus among council members, the Council President ensures that the Foundation's advocacy efforts remain relevant to the evolving needs of the United Nations system. Sudhakar Pandit oversees the development of strategic frameworks that guide the organization's engagement with government entities and philanthropic partners. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to innovative solutions for global problems. Through the effective management of council activities, Pandit strengthens the Foundation's influence on international policy. Ultimately, the Council President drives the organization's commitment to multilateral cooperation, ensuring that the Foundation remains a powerful advocate for global progress and sustainable development.

Yehin Kim, the Global Cooperation Society International President at United Nations Foundation, directs the expansion of international partnerships that promote multilateralism. Kim architects collaborative networks that connect the Foundation with diverse stakeholders across the global development landscape. By overseeing the implementation of cross-border cooperation initiatives, the Global Cooperation Society International President ensures that the Foundation's impact reaches across various regional markets. Yehin Kim manages the development of advocacy programs that highlight the importance of international unity in solving global challenges. This role involves coordinating with UN partners to align local efforts with broader global development goals. Through the strategic cultivation of international relationships, Kim enhances the Foundation's ability to mobilize resources and expertise on a global scale. Ultimately, the Global Cooperation Society International President drives the organization's mission to foster a more collaborative and effective international system for addressing humanity's most pressing issues.

Poorvasri Sivakumar, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club at United Nations Foundation, leads the youth-focused advocacy initiatives that empower young leaders to support UN goals. Sivakumar architects programs that mobilize young people to champion gender equality and social justice on a global scale. By overseeing the development of grassroots campaigns, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club ensures that the Foundation's mission resonates with the next generation of global citizens. Poorvasri Sivakumar manages the expansion of the club network, providing resources and training to youth advocates across diverse regions. This leadership role involves integrating youth perspectives into the Foundation's broader policy discussions, ensuring that the voices of young people influence international development agendas. Through the strategic promotion of leadership development, Sivakumar drives the organization's commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive future for all, supported by the Foundation's resources.

Kate Dodson, the Chief of Staff at United Nations Foundation, coordinates the executive office and facilitates the execution of strategic priorities across the organization. Dodson manages the flow of information between the leadership team and external partners, ensuring that all advocacy efforts align with the Foundation's core mission. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to respond effectively to shifting global development needs. Kate Dodson oversees the integration of policy recommendations into broader communications strategies, enhancing the Foundation's influence on international decision-makers. This role involves managing high-level event coordination and stakeholder engagement to foster collaborative solutions to global challenges. Through the careful management of executive resources, Dodson ensures that the Foundation maintains its focus on advancing UN priorities. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency, allowing the Foundation to maximize its impact on the international development landscape.

Lee Norman, the Chief Medical Officer at United Nations Foundation, leads the health-focused advocacy and policy initiatives that support global public health goals. Norman architects strategic partnerships with international health organizations to address systemic challenges in disease prevention and healthcare access. By providing expert guidance on medical policy, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the Foundation's grant-making activities align with the latest scientific evidence and UN health priorities. Lee Norman oversees the development of advocacy campaigns that mobilize resources for global health programs, particularly in underserved regions. This role involves convening medical experts and policymakers to foster collaborative solutions to emerging health crises. Through the integration of clinical expertise into the Foundation's broader mission, Norman enhances the impact of multilateral health interventions. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer drives the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes through strategic advocacy and targeted financial support.