Brian Finlay

Brian Derek Finlay, 53 years old, Takoma Park, MD, passed away on June 3, 2026 surrounded by family.

Brian was born on July 26, 1972 in London, Ontario to Katherine and Alexander Dick. He is survived by his wife, Susan, children Lauren and Ben, brothers, Allan Dick (Sue) and David Dick (Karen) and mother Katherine Dick. He is predeceased by his father Alexander Dick. Brian immigrated to the United States in the late 1990s, but remained deeply devoted to Canada and its values—its commitment to the common good, a strong social safety net, and a healthy work-life balance. He brought those values into every aspect of his life. Brian showed up to life with a big smile, ready for a good laugh, and a gift for storytelling that could hold any room. He treated everyone as an equal and lived by a simple philosophy that putting others ahead of self was the best way to succeed.

Brian loved being a father. He took immense joy in raising Lauren and Ben and was deeply proud to watch them grow into the people they are today. He was the kind of dad you could call
with any problem—and somehow, he would make it better. He taught his children to stay calm in difficult moments and led by example with steadiness, humor, and care. Beneath his easygoing nature was a fiercely protective father who would drop everything to be there when needed.

Brian was hands-down the best husband ever. His marriage to Susan was built on deep friendship, mutual respect, and enduring love. He showed that love in big ways, but also in the
quiet ways that mattered most—keeping the gas tank full, dancing in the kitchen, or taking long drives in the country in search of coffee. He never took their life together for granted. Brian’s happy places were simple: being in the backyard, driving the Mini with the top down, and spending time with family at Atlantic Beach and Bald Head Island. 

Brian led the Stimson Center for over a decade as President and Chief Executive Officer, with a total of more than twenty years of service to the nonpartisan foreign policy
institution. He loved his work and was proud of Stimson's mission, where he found purpose in supporting and elevating others and advancing a mission dedicated to making the world better. Under his tenure, the Stimson Center transformed its business model, launched pioneering new engagements across Asia, and developed industry-defining programming on strategic dialogue, global risk, and technology.

Under Brian’s leadership and tenacity, the Center quadrupled in size to become one of the most trusted and sought-after think tanks on foreign policy and national security. Brian served in multiple roles at Stimson prior his tenure as President and CEO, holding positions as Vice President, Managing Director, and Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center. Through every trial and triumph, Brian was a constant guardian of the organization’s core spirit.

A fierce advocate for uncommon solutions, Brian was unwilling to just sit back and “admire the problem,” as he described it. Instead, he challenged and empowered his staff to take on the most consequential global challenges with imagination, rigor, and conviction. Under Brian’s leadership, the Stimson Center has established a defining reputation as a center of excellence and trusted authority for decision makers around the world.

Throughout the past nine months of illness, including long hospital stays and early morning blood draws, Brian never lost his gratitude. He thanked the nurses, technicians, and members of his care team, embodying the kindness and humility that defined his life.

The family is forever grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion of Dr. Valerie Lee, her team, as well as the nursing and palliative care teams at Sibley Memorial Hospital, who supported Brian and his family with kindness beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brian D. Finlay Legacy Fund, which honors his life of courageous leadership, boundless curiosity, and unwavering dedication to a better world, reflected in his decades of leadership at the Stimson Center.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Boston St. Fort Funeral and Cremation Services

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