United Nations Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

Joanne Soojay, the Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution of the organization. Soojay guides the Foundation's mission to strengthen support for the United Nations and amplify its global impact. This leadership role involves fostering key relationships with philanthropic institutions, corporations, and government entities to mobilize resources for UN priorities. Overseeing the strategic direction, Joanne Soojay ensures alignment with the Foundation's core objective of addressing humanity's most pressing challenges through multilateral cooperation. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include shaping policy dialogue, advocating for UN initiatives, and driving the organization's financial sustainability. This executive position is central to coordinating efforts that advance international development and secure private capital for critical multilateral work. Soojay's leadership ensures the Foundation effectively bridges the UN system with diverse funding sources, maximizing its influence on global problem-solving.

Elizabeth Cousens, the President & Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, spearheads the organization's strategic vision and global outreach. Cousens drives the mission to bolster support for the United Nations and enhance its worldwide influence. This executive position involves cultivating partnerships with major donors, foundations, and international bodies to channel resources toward critical UN programs. Overseeing the entire operational framework, Elizabeth Cousens ensures the Foundation effectively mobilizes political will and expertise to tackle complex global issues. The President & Chief Executive Officer's duties encompass developing advocacy campaigns, coordinating high-level convenings, and directing communications strategies that highlight the UN's impact. This leadership role is pivotal in translating philanthropic commitments into tangible progress on international development priorities. Through strategic leadership, Elizabeth Cousens advances the Foundation's capacity to serve as a vital conduit between the UN and global stakeholders.

Walter Cortes, the Chief Financial Officer at United Nations Foundation, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Cortes oversees all fiscal operations, ensuring robust financial planning and reporting to support the Foundation's mission of strengthening UN support. This role involves developing and implementing financial strategies that align with the organization's goals of mobilizing resources for international development. Overseeing the financial integrity, Walter Cortes ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and manages relationships with financial institutions and auditors. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, and managing investment portfolios to maximize the impact of philanthropic contributions. This executive position is critical for maintaining donor confidence and ensuring the efficient deployment of capital to UN initiatives. Through meticulous financial oversight, Walter Cortes safeguards the Foundation's assets and enables its continued work in addressing global challenges.

Hon. Sio, the Chief Operating Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the day-to-day operational activities and internal infrastructure. Sio ensures the efficient execution of the Foundation's programs and strategic initiatives aimed at amplifying the UN's global impact. This role involves optimizing organizational processes, managing administrative functions, and overseeing the effective deployment of staff and resources. Overseeing operational efficiency, Hon. Sio drives initiatives to enhance productivity and streamline workflows across departments. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing facilities, technology, and vendor relationships to support the Foundation's core mission. This executive position is vital for translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans. Through effective management, Hon. Sio ensures the Foundation operates with maximum effectiveness and agility in its support of UN priorities and international development efforts.

Sudhakar Pandit, the Council President at United Nations Foundation, leads strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement for key councils within the organization. Pandit drives the advancement of UN priorities by fostering collaboration and mobilizing support among diverse groups. This role involves guiding council activities, setting strategic agendas, and ensuring alignment with the Foundation's broader mission to amplify the UN's global impact. Overseeing council operations, Sudhakar Pandit facilitates dialogue and action on critical international development issues. The Council President's responsibilities include convening experts, advocating for policy changes, and building consensus among partners to address humanity's most pressing challenges. This executive position is crucial for translating collective insights into impactful programs and initiatives. Through dedicated leadership, Sudhakar Pandit strengthens the Foundation's network and enhances its capacity to drive positive change.

Paula Boland, the President at United Nations Foundation, directs strategic planning and organizational development to enhance the Foundation's effectiveness. Boland leads efforts to strengthen support for the United Nations and maximize its global impact across various initiatives. This position involves overseeing key programmatic areas, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to advance UN priorities. Overseeing strategic growth, Paula Boland drives innovation and collaboration to address complex global challenges. The President's responsibilities include engaging with stakeholders, advocating for multilateral solutions, and guiding the organization's long-term vision. This executive role is fundamental to the Foundation's capacity to mobilize resources and expertise for international development. Through decisive leadership, Paula Boland ensures the Foundation remains a vital force in supporting the UN's critical work worldwide.

Poorvasri Sivakumar, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club at United Nations Foundation, spearheads the youth leadership and empowerment initiative. Sivakumar drives the program's mission to engage young people in advocating for gender equality and global development issues. This role involves developing leadership training, organizing advocacy campaigns, and fostering a global network of young leaders committed to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Overseeing the Girl Up movement, Poorvasri Sivakumar inspires and mobilizes a generation of changemakers. The Founder and President's responsibilities include building strategic partnerships, securing resources for club activities, and ensuring the program's continued growth and impact. This leadership position is critical for empowering young women and girls to become agents of change. Through dedicated vision, Poorvasri Sivakumar cultivates a powerful force for positive social impact.

Lee Norman, the Chief Medical Officer at United Nations Foundation, provides critical health expertise and guidance for the organization's initiatives. Norman ensures that health-related programs and strategies align with global public health best practices and UN health priorities. This role involves advising on health policy, evaluating the impact of health-focused grants, and contributing to advocacy efforts for improved global health outcomes. Overseeing health strategy, Lee Norman collaborates with UN agencies and health partners to address pressing health challenges worldwide. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include staying abreast of medical advancements, assessing health risks, and ensuring the efficacy of health-related interventions supported by the Foundation. This executive position is essential for leveraging medical knowledge to advance the Foundation's mission of strengthening support for the United Nations in the health sector. Norman's leadership ensures a scientifically grounded approach to health initiatives.