Montvale, NJ — September 22, 2025
“We are very pleased to announce that Céline Gustavson has joined Push to Walk as our new Executive Director,” said Branden Kasper, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Céline brings over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, most recently serving as Global Head of Program Strategy & Quality at Save the Children. Her deep experience in program strategy, fundraising, and operational management—combined with her collaborative leadership style—make her an outstanding choice to guide Push to Walk into its next chapter.”
At Save the Children, Gustavson led a multi-year initiative to expand the use of evidence-based approaches across global programs, ensuring proven methods improved outcomes for children worldwide. She also spearheaded a project across 52 country offices to strengthen technical expertise and launched a $1.34 million innovation fund to test and scale new solutions with lasting impact.
Her decision to join Push to Walk reflects a desire to bring her international leadership experience closer to home. “I am thrilled to step into this role,” said Gustavson. “Push to Walk has an incredible history of supporting people with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions resulting in paralysis and mobility challenges. I look forward to building on this foundation, expanding our reach, and ensuring that more clients and families benefit from the transformative work of this organization.”
Gustavson holds a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College. Fluent in English and French and conversant in Spanish, she is deeply connected to both global and local communities. She and her family are longtime residents of Montclair, New Jersey.
The Board of Trustees also extended its appreciation to Dennis Miller, whose expertise and guidance during the recruitment process helped match Gustavson with Push to Walk. Gustavson expressed gratitude for his professionalism and encouragement throughout.