WUSC Welcomes Steve Mason as new CEO

Ottawa, Canada – Following a comprehensive search, the WUSC Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Steve Mason will be joining WUSC as Chief Executive Officer effective February 5, 2024.

A senior executive with over 20 years of experience in global development, Steve brings a strong track record of developing and delivering high impact programs, leading diverse and inclusive teams, and forming and growing collaborative partnerships. He currently provides strategic leadership to Aga Khan Foundation’s institutional partnerships in Canada and the US and oversees a multi-sectoral program portfolio in Africa and Asia, as the Regional Director, North America (Programs and Partnerships). In this role, Steve is also responsible for the Aga Khan Foundation’s people and culture in its Canadian and US offices.  

“Steve’s significant experience, knowledge, and reputation in the sector will be a tremendous addition to the incredible WUSC team,” says Chris Whitaker, Chair of the WUSC Board of Directors.

“I am delighted to be joining WUSC at a moment when it is exceptionally well-placed as one of Canada’s leading global development organizations,” says Steve. “I am excited to work with WUSC’s strong team and diverse partners to advance its highly relevant mission of creating a better world for young people – both in Canada and across the globe.”

Previous to his current role, Steve worked for Aga Khan Foundation in leadership positions in West Africa, Afghanistan, and East Africa. Prior to joining the Foundation, he was Executive Director of the United Nations Association in Canada. Steve has a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and a B.Sc in Bio-Math from the University of New Brunswick. 

Current Executive Director of WUSC, Chris Eaton, informed the organization earlier this year that he would be leaving his role after 14 years. Under Chris’ leadership, WUSC’s program portfolio has doubled in size, greatly expanding the organization’s ability to positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people around the world. 

“Chris’ leadership at WUSC has been transformative for the organization over the past decade,” shared Chris Whitaker. “We thank him for his contributions and wish him the very best as he embarks on this next chapter.”