Kurian Thomas
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The Fetzer Institute announces the appointment of Kurian Thomas as vice president, spiritual transformation, effective July 1. In this new role, he will direct and coordinate programs supporting spiritual development through the lifespan. This includes overseeing a portfolio of more than 60 projects across the globe on a range of topics related to spirituality, including education, health and wellbeing, and democracy. Kurian will also provide leadership and support to the Institute’s organizational learning and culture.

“I’m so pleased to have Kurian leading this work in spiritual transformation, which is essential to realizing our vision for a more loving world,” noted Fetzer Institute president and CEO Bob Boisture. "Over the past few years, he has grown his team, strengthened his leadership skills, and established caring and trusting relationships with his team and partners. In addition to his wisdom and kindness, Kurian will be an asset to our executive team.”

Kurian began working with the Institute as a program officer in August of 2011 and since May of 2017 has served as a program director. Prior to his joining Fetzer, he was the focal person for program quality and accountability with Oxfam based in Hong Kong SAR. He also served as the adviser for learning and impact at Save the Children UK, and as knowledge manager with the Centre for Good Governance, India.

Of his new role, Kurian shares, “I am honored and excited to work in this new capacity. I am particularly interested in working with my team to help individuals and communities uphold the worth and dignity of all people, so that we can all work with open hearts and find a sense of common purpose.”

He holds a master’s degree in management from Xavier Institute of Management, India, and a master’s in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Kurian is currently a fellow on the Council on Foundation’s 2019 career pathways leadership cohort. He and his wife Sangeetha live in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with their four children, Alisha, Maria, Thomas, and Joseph.