#USA #New York #Leadership #Schwarzman Scholars #Amy Celico

Amy Celico Takes the Helm as Executive Director of Schwarzman Scholars

In an exciting new development, Schwarzman Scholars has officially announced the appointment of Amy Celico as its new Executive Director. Set to begin her role on March 3, 2025, Celico brings a wealth of experience across various sectors, making her a well-suited leader for this prestigious educational initiative.

Celico is stepping into her new role at an important time as the program prepares to welcome its tenth cohort of Scholars. Her responsibilities will include managing the daily operations of the New York office and furthering the organization's mission to cultivate the next generation of global leaders. The Schwarzman Scholars program—launched in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape of the 21st century—is a fully funded, one-year master's program based at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

As the program continues to expand, Ms. Celico will be instrumental in steering the initiative that aims to promote cross-cultural cooperation and dialogue among young leaders from diverse backgrounds. Stephen A. Schwarzman, the Chairman and CEO of Blackstone and the Founding Trustee of the program, expressed his enthusiasm for Celico's appointment, stating, “We are excited to welcome her to Schwarzman Scholars. Her in-depth understanding of China and its global dynamics will be invaluable.”

Celico's Professional Background

Amy Celico’s career spans 30 years, covering significant roles in academia, government, and the private sector. Her most recent position was as a Partner and Co-Lead in the China practice at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, where she provided expert guidance to organizations navigating the complexities of the Chinese market. Prior to this, she acted as Senior Director for China Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where she developed U.S.-China trade policies while monitoring compliance with trade regulations. Celico’s wealth of knowledge also includes roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State, making her expertise substantial in the realm of international relationships.

Beyond her governmental tenure, Celico has contributed to institutions like the Johns Hopkins-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies and has served on various influential boards, including the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Her academic credentials are also impressive, holding a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins and a B.A. in Asian Studies from Mount Holyoke College, further solidifying her expertise in global affairs.

Vision for the Future

In her announcement, Celico expressed enthusiasm for her new role, emphasizing the significance of understanding China's position on the global stage. She remarked, “It is crucial for emerging leaders to comprehend the complexities of international relations, especially concerning China. I look forward to strengthening the foundation of the Schwarzman Scholars program and contributing to a thriving community dedicated to addressing global challenges.”

As a one-of-a-kind scholarship, Schwarzman Scholars seeks to engage talented individuals from around the world, enabling them to develop leadership skills and foster understanding across cultural divides. Each year, the program selects up to 200 candidates, creating a cohort that represents a diverse array of industries, including business, technology, healthcare, and politics.

The dynamic curriculum tailored for Scholars is not only focused on academic rigor but also on experiential learning, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the complexities of the Chinese context while engaging with leading experts from various fields. This approach ensures that students gain the requisite knowledge and skills to tackle pressing global issues effectively.

With Celico at the helm, the Schwarzman Scholars program anticipates continued success in shaping thoughtful, action-oriented leaders who will make a positive impact around the globe. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Celico and her innovative leadership as she guides the next generation of leaders into an increasingly interconnected and challenging world.