The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA has hired Suzanne Currie as its new CEO. With a career that spans Wall Street, financial services and philanthropy, Currie brings a wealth of experience that positions her to lead the nonprofit’s mission of providing nonformal education to students across the United States.
Currie’s blend of financial acumen and charitable leadership is expected to drive the growth and expansion of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award USA.
“My background has prepared me mightily for this position," Currie said. "My career in the financial services world was one of researching and finding quality investment opportunities of value for our clients in the alternative-strategies sectors. Whether that was private equity, hedge funds or venture capital, I developed a reputation of thoroughly assessing how these investments would complement a client’s asset allocation and existing portfolio.”
As CEO, she will guide the organization's efforts to offer programs that build critical life skills, leadership and resilience in students ages 14-24.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was founded in 1956 by Prince Philip and education pioneer Dr. Kurt Hahn. The program has since evolved into a global initiative, with over 8 million participants in more than 130 countries.
Under Currie’s leadership, the U.S. chapter of the award aims to connect with award centers and participants across more than 30 states, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for underserved communities. Currie emphasized the importance of inclusivity and the organization's commitment to reaching young people from all backgrounds.
“Having been raised in a family whose philosophy was always ‘each one, reach one,’ I saw the award program as the perfect match for the student struggles I was seeing in so many communities and hearing from so many parents, teachers, coaches and therapists,” she said. “I have always believed that the first third of your life, you learn; the second third of your life, you earn; and the third third of your life, you yearn to return.”
In her new role, Currie aims to bridge the gap between finance and philanthropy, demonstrating how charitable initiatives can thrive with strong business principles. By blending her expertise, she hopes to set the stage for the next generation of leaders in the U.S. and beyond.