FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Washington, DC-based nonprofit Global Ties U.S. today announced a new slate of officers and members for its Board of Directors that take effect March 1, 2019.
Christopher Washington, Executive Vice President and CEO of Urbana University, is the incoming Board Chair. Washington previously served as Vice Chair of the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors. A leader in international education and business, Washington also serves on the board of the International Visitors Council, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member in Columbus, OH, that works to build partnerships between American citizens and international visitors to encourage global understanding and economic development.
“The future of citizen diplomacy and the role of exchange programs is overwhelmingly positive,” said Washington. “Organizations like Global Ties U.S. and its partners must continue to work to engage the world and Americans for a brighter future. I want to thank my colleagues for their time and service to Global Ties U.S. and its members; it is because of them that we maintain a positive outlook for exchange programs.”
Washington will replace Jacquelyn G. Shipe who steps down as Chair, but will remain as an Ex Officio Officer on the Board for one more year. “It was an honor to serve as Chair of the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors,” said Shipe, who is also CEO of Global Ties Alabama, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member in Huntsville, AL. “As I finish my term on the Board, I am comforted by knowing people like Christopher Washington and Katherine Brown are leading this great organization.” Last April, Shipe oversaw the hiring and selection process for the new President and CEO of Global Ties U.S., Katherine Brown.
Jacqueline Miller, a current member of the board, will now serve as the Vice Chair. Miller is CEO of the World Affairs Council – Seattle, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member in Seattle, WA, that promotes cross-cultural understanding through international exchange and people-to-people dialogue.
In addition, Henry Collins, Vice President and Deputy of the Professional Exchanges Division at Meridian International Center, and Mariano Gutierrez, Vice President at MetLife, will remain on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, following their re-election for two additional years of service.
Joining the Board of Directors is Robin Lerner, President and CEO of the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC). Robin brings a wealth of experience, having served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the the U.S. Department of State and Senior Counselor on the Committee on Foreign Relations of the U.S. Senate.
Global Ties U.S. salutes and appreciates the members of the Board of Directors whose terms have come to an end: Peggy Parfenoff, Executive Director of WorldChicago, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member; Samuel B. “Sandy” Sterrett, Jr., Partner at Rimon PC; and Ricardo Vanella, President of the Argentine-American Network for Leadership (REAL), a Global Ties U.S. International Member. Global Ties U.S. and our Network of 120+ nonprofits extend our deepest thanks to these leaders for their passion and commitment to international exchange and public diplomacy.
“I’m deeply grateful for this extraordinary group of experts to help lead Global Ties U.S.,” said Katherine Brown, President and CEO of Global Ties U.S. “Without their time, counsel, and support of the organization, our mission of making the world a more peaceful, prosperous place through exchange programs would not be possible.”
ABOUT GLOBAL TIES U.S.
Global Ties U.S. is a nonprofit that makes international exchange programs more effective. We work with our members and the U.S. Department of State to bring current and future leaders from around the world to communities across the United States. Together, we build deep connections among people from many countries, resulting in a more peaceful, prosperous world.
Contact:
Daniel Bremer-Wirtig
Director, External Affairs
Global Ties U.S.
dbremer@globaltiesus.org
Mobile: 202.494.2383