FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc.
414-354-0200, ext. 108 • dave@rspr.com
MILWAUKEE —The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, announced that Dr. Brian Curry will become the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday, June 1. Curry will replace Alexander P. Durtka, Jr., who is retiring after 38 years with the IIW.
The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation.
“On behalf of the International Institute of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors, the staff, and our community partners, I am excited to welcome Brian to the IIW family,” said Donna Roeber, Chairperson. “In getting to know Brian, his compassion and dedication to the IIW mission came shining through. He has a very good awareness of what the IIW does and he wants to be a part of an organization that reaches out and truly helps people. We look forward to sharing this new journey with Brian.”
Roeber went on to recognize Durtka for all he’s provided the IIW. “I want to thank Al Durtka from the bottom of my heart. His leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s growth not only locally, but throughout the state and internationally,” Roeber said. “We wish Al and his wife, Sharon, all the best in their future adventures.”
Curry most recently was with Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor as the
Assistant Vice President – International Affairs. He also served more than five years as the Chief Executive Officer with Simply 1Life, Inc. a food and beverage company that specializes in nutraceuticals and functional foods.
“When considering a new position, I need to be comfortable with the organization’s mission. The more I learned about the International Institute of Wisconsin and thought about the services it provides, I began to feel I needed to be part of a group that did something good for others,” Curry said. “It became transformational for me to be part of a team that serves others.”
Curry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Michigan State University, a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan University, and at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he received a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology and a doctorate in Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy.
“Though my educational and work background is in science, I have always been part of groups where problem solving was an integral component of the work being done,” he said. “During my career, most companies I have worked for have been involved with international business. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a global mindset, as I’ve been privileged to work in Asia, made presentations throughout Europe, and helped to implement programs in Kenya. I am looking forward to helping to expand this global mindset throughout the communities the International Institute of Wisconsin serves.
“It was quite a journey to get to the point of being offered the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization,” Curry said. “I look forward to working with the IIW staff to assist those that use our services to become active participants in the communities they call home.”
The IIW also produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2022 event scheduled to be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.
For more information, call 414-225-6220 or visit www.iiwisconsin.org.