Ms. Catherine Russell has been named as the next Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
On her appointment by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ms. Russell succeeds current UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, who is stepping down because of a family health issue.
Catherine Russell, who is currently the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and assistant to the president, will be the eighth American to head the U.N. organization.
Ms. Russell who has had a long and distinguished career in public service was the ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues during the administration of Barack Obama.
Her lifelong passion for public service as well as her strong and compassionate leadership will improve the wellbeing of children through this crucial position.
Founded on December 11, 1946 in New York, UNICEF is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare organizations in the world, with a presence in 192 countries and territories. It has been playing a role as a part of a concerted effort to provide supplies and assistance to children in the aftermath of World War II.
UNICEF plays a critical leadership role coordinating the UN humanitarian system’s work in education, water and sanitation, and nutrition sectors. Throughout the pandemic, UNICEF has helped deliver more than half a billion COVID-19 vaccine doses in around the world as the logistics support agency for COVAX.
Today, the organization works in more than 190 countries as the UN’s flagship agency dedicated to promoting children’s welfare worldwide.
Ambassador Catherine Russell will continue this tradition of excellence in leadership as UNICEF’S Executive Director, following Henrietta Fore’s exceptional accomplishments.
Since UNICEF’s inception, the United States Government, private sector, and civil society have championed and partnered with UNICEF to help achieve its mission to protect children and youth worldwide.
American leadership has strengthened the organization at every turn throughout its 75-year existence.
Today, December 11, UNICEF is celebrating its 75th years of exemplary advocacy and protection of children and youth across the world.
