Curtis S. Chin is a dynamic and inspiring figure whose illustrious career spans the realms of public policy, finance, and international development. Renowned for his leadership and vision, Curtis's insights have not only shaped policies but have also ignited transformative change across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Curtis's journey began with a robust foundation in education. He attended Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, majoring in economics. Further honing his expertise, Curtis completed a master's degree in public and private management (MPPM/MBA) with a concentration in finance at the prestigious Yale School of Management.
Curtis embarked on his professional path at Burson-Marsteller, a global public relations and communications firm, where he rapidly ascended the ranks. His tenure included influential roles such as Managing Director of Burson-Marsteller’s Corporate/Public Affairs practice in China, Head of the firm’s Beijing operations, and Managing Director, Global Business and Client Development. In 2007, Curtis was appointed the United States Executive Director and U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where he served until 2010. His tenure at the ADB was marked by his commitment to human resources, risk management, and governance reforms, and his advocacy for sustainable development focused on “people, planet, and partnership”. Curtis’s efforts played a crucial role in establishing the first major partnership agreement between the ADB and UNICEF.
Currently, Curtis is the Inaugural Asia Fellow at the Milken Institute and founder of the advisory firm RiverPeak Group, LLC. His extensive experience also includes roles on the boards of World Education Services and the Dolma Impact Fund. Curtis’s unique blend of experience, expertise, and eloquence makes him an exceptional motivational speaker. His talks cover a wide array of topics, including responsible development, public diplomacy, and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Curtis's emphasis on partnership across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors underscores the importance of collective efforts in driving positive change. His dynamic presentations not only inform but also inspire audiences to think critically and act decisively.
