Special Announcement from IH: New Executive Director

Dear International House Community Member,

The International House Board of Directors in Charlotte is pleased to announce that Susan Bird has been appointed Executive Director effective September 1, 2025. The expansive and thorough search initiated in May 2025 yielded a deep pool of highly qualified candidates. Susan emerged as the clear choice to lead International House forward. “Susan brings decades of experience leading and managing non-profit and humanitarian aid organizations,” said Board President Amit Mehta. “Susan understands and has a deep passion for our work. She is very well-suited to advance our mission.”

Susan and her family have returned to the Charlotte area, which she considers “home” after living overseas for many years. Most recently, Susan held senior leadership positions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Rome, Italy. She also held leadership positions with UNHCR in Panama City, Panama; Bangkok, Thailand; and Geneva, Switzerland. While living in Mexico City, Susan served as a Program Officer for the Ford Foundation and in management positions with Oxfam America and Save the Children. Susan earned a BA from Drake University and two master's degrees: one in Multicultural Management from the School for International Training and a second in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. Susan is fluent in both Spanish and Italian.

"I am honored to join International House as the next Executive Director,” remarked Susan. "I look forward to contributing to the vital mission of helping immigrants, refugees and international culture thrive in Charlotte, and building strong connections with the community."

“We look forward to identifying opportunities for Susan to meet our many International House friends,” remarked Loretta Evivie, Board President-elect. “In the meantime, please join me in welcoming Susan to our community.”

Amit Mehta, President          Loretta Evivie, President-elect

Board of Directors Board of Directors

International House of Metrolina, Inc.

Our mission is to help immigrants and international culture thrive in our community.

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