Leadership & Society Initiative Fellow Stories

Geoff Curtis

Geoff Curtis is the former executive vice president, corporate affairs, and chief communications officer at Horizon Therapeutics. Geoff mentors and coaches young professionals, and he has been philanthropically engaged in efforts to expand educational opportunity for more than a decade.

Still, Geoff wanted to focus more of his next chapter on making meaningful, lasting contributions to society. The LSI fellowship offered him the resources and support to put this vision into action by reflecting on his past work, collaborating with peers and experts, and crafting a purpose plan that maximizes his philanthropic impact.

“I’ve been intellectually curious my entire career, my entire life. The excitement of this, for me, is that diversity of thinking, diversity of experience that you get in this group of Fellows.”

Susan Hairston

Susan Hairston is a former councilperson for Summit, New Jersey, an experienced leader at philanthropic organizations such as the Ford Foundation, and now the CEO of Susan Hairston Consulting LLC. Motivated by a lifelong commitment to civic engagement, she consults with high-impact nonprofits to expand capacity and outcomes in the communities they serve.

For Susan, LSI is an opportunity to invest in a meaningful learning journey in a community of peers and thought partners with a diverse array of perspective and areas of expertise at one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. Through reconnecting with her passions, personal mission, and distinct talents, she plans to simultaneously deepen her longstanding values-driven leadership and expand the impact she can drive through empowering her clients. 

“The University of Chicago is where hard work gets done. We find the evidence, we look deeply at issues, and we are going to make sure that there will be societal change.”

Stephen Blewitt

Steve Blewitt is the former chief investment officer and head of private markets at Manulife Investment Management. With decades of experience in leading global investment teams, he wanted to transition toward a next chapter of expanding opportunity for young people.

Steve joined LSI to develop a roadmap for promoting youth employment. He knew that the University would provide the environment of open inquiry and academic rigor necessary to help him reflect on his values and shape a purposeful next chapter.

“LSI is an opportunity to look at my life and be very introspective about myself, what my values are, and what I really want to do with the next 20 years.”