WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization Global Ties U.S. today announced new officers and members of the Board of Directors who will begin their terms on March 1, 2015.
James S. Wolf will serve as the Board Chair. Jim had a 35-year career in international banking, during which he conducted business throughout the world in various senior positions. Among his notable appointments, he led the Global Institutional Clients Department at Mellon Financial Corporation before being named Vice Chairman – The Americas for Standard Chartered Bank. His philanthropic involvement includes prior service on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair of the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (now known as GlobalPittsburgh), as well as current service on the boards of directors of Brother’s Brother Foundation, an international medical relief organization, and Concordia Lutheran Ministries, a diversified, faith-based senior and health care services system. He has also led numerous humanitarian missions to Vietnam, Kenya and South Africa.
James Wolf has served as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Global Ties U.S. since 2013. He will replace current Board Chair Kyle Moyer who steps down after two impactful terms.
“We are so pleased to have Jim serve in this role,” said Kyle Moyer, “He has a deep appreciation for the mission of Global Ties and understands the importance of maintaining a strong association. His vision and leadership will ensure a strong Global Ties for years to come.”
In addition, Peggy Parfenoff will serve as the Vice Chair, expanding her role on the Board. Executive Director of WorldChicago since 2001, Peggy Parfenoff brings her experience in outreach and marketing as well as knowledge of the needs and challenges the Global Ties network, to the Board. Also taking a new officer role is Robert Brown as Treasurer. Robert Brown works as an international trade attorney with Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC in addition to serving as Board Chair for the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Furthermore, Jacqui Shipe will become Secretary of the Board, drawing on her knowledge as Executive Director of Global Ties Alabama.
Global Ties U.S. also welcomes two new board members, Christopher Washington, Ph.D. and Henry Collins, whose vast expertise and passion will further enhance the international exchange field. Dr. Washington currently serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Franklin University. Mr. Collins is Vice President at Meridian International Center, a Global Ties U.S. member organizations.
Departing the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors this year are seven board members. “We thank the outgoing board members for sharing their expertise and passion to the Global Ties network,” said Jennifer Clinton, President of Global Ties U.S. “Under their dynamic leadership, Global Ties made significant advancements in inspiring people across the exchange community and beyond.”
ABOUT THE GLOBAL TIES U.S. 2015 NATIONAL MEETING
The 2015 National Meeting, titled “New Diplomacy: Building on 75 Years” took place February 4-7. Plenary session speakers included Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States; Richard Stengel, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs; Evan Ryan, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs; Oscar Arias, State Department exchange alumnus, Nobel Prize Laureate, and former President of Costa Rica and Richard C. Morais, author of The Hundred-Foot Journey. The Global Ties U.S. National Meeting, which brings together people from 44 states who arrange local programming for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchange programs, is the leading forum for developing skills, identifying key trends, and sharing best practices in international exchange and nonprofit management.
ABOUT GLOBAL TIES U.S.
Founded in 1961, Global Ties U.S. and its member organizations have served as private sector partners to the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). World leaders, ranging from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Mexico’s former president Felipe Calderón, developed close ties to the United States through their experience as IVLP participants. With an impressive alumni roster of more than 350 current and former heads of state worldwide, the IVLP and members of the Global Ties network have played a role in shaping U.S. international relations for decades.