Suzanne Ehlers is a visionary nonprofit leader with 25+ years experience advocating for refugees and vulnerable populations and transforming, scaling and growing the mission-driven enterprises that assist them. As Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, she currently leads a team of 85+ on DC, NYC and beyond, mobilizing support for the UN Refugee Agency and amplifying refugee voices across the U.S.
Whether championing education, health and crisis response, or fighting for everyone’s right to have a home where they find safety and belonging, Suzanne’s leadership is grounded in integrity, curiosity, and the belief that stories and people change the world. Known for her authenticity, integrity, and values-driven leadership, she is the organization’s chief fundraiser and public advocate, guiding strategic, ethical, story-driven fundraising efforts rooted in real impact. Her emphasis on transparency and skill at connecting and communicating is driven by strategic optimism and a lifelong curiosity about people. She brings a global perspective to policy issues, connects the dots between ideas and resources to opportunities others may not see, and is a big proponent of convening sometimes-unlikely partners from across sectors to find new solutions to old problems.
A systems thinker with a background in grantmaking, Suzanne previously served as CEO of Malala Fund, working closely with Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai to advance girls’ education. Before that, she led PAI for a decade, transforming it into a leading global voice for sexual and reproductive health and rights. A former Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic, Suzanne thrives at the intersection of mission, strategy, and people. She believes deeply in the power of partnerships and convening. UNHCR’s mandate to operate only by invitation from host governments and in collaboration with other agencies resonates deeply with her leadership philosophy. She sees every crisis not as someone else’s issue, but as a shared, equalizing challenge demanding human-centered responses.
Suzanne serves on the board of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, is a Member-At-Large of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, and is a Young Global Leader (alum) of the World Economic Forum. Originally from San Antonio and a graduate of Cornell University, she now lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, two daughters, and their beloved dog Bean.