WASHINGTON, DC — The Washington, DC-based nonprofit Global Ties U.S. announces the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: Elizabeth Kumbhari, Derrick Olsen, and Patricia Preston. The appointments take effect March 1, 2020.
“As Chair of the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome our new members to the board,” said Christopher Washington, Ph.D. “This year is an exciting time for citizen diplomacy as we prepare to celebrate 60 years of the Global Ties Network. Having this extraordinary group of citizen diplomats join and lead Global Ties U.S. will be critical for the future of this Network.”
Elizabeth Kumbhari is General Counsel and Vice President of Professional Exchange Programs at Cultural Vistas, a National Program Agency and Global Ties U.S. partner that encourages global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. She brings more than 13 years professional experience in higher education, immigration law, and business development to the Global Tie U.S. Board of Directors. Elizabeth is a member of both the Forbes Nonprofit Council—an invitation-only community for senior level executives at nonprofits—and the Institute of One World Leadership, a professional organization for business, nonprofit, and community leaders.
Derrick Olsen is President of World Oregon, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member that aims to catalyze global connections, learning, and friendship in the state of Oregon. Derrick brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors, having served more than 13 years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, and eight years as an economic development strategist at Greater Portland Inc. and Business Oregon.
Patricia Preston is Executive Director of the Vermont Council on World Affairs, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member that promotes awareness and understanding of the world and its people, places, and cultures through education and engagement. A Vermont native, Patricia has extensive international and nonprofit sector experience, having worked on policy and gender issues in the U.S. and abroad.
In addition, Diana Bucco, a current member of the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors, has been re-elected for a second term. As President of The Buhl Foundation, she leads strategies for philanthropy with a focus on community-driven neighborhood revitalization.
Global Ties U.S. appreciates Pascal Dupeyrat, President of Cercle Jefferson, a Global Ties U.S. International Member, who concludes his term. Global Ties U.S. and our Network of 120+ nonprofits extend our profound thanks to him for his passion and commitment to international exchange and public diplomacy.
“Since 1961, Global Ties U.S. has strengthened people-to-people connections across borders to create a more peaceful, prosperous world,” said Katherine Brown, Ph.D., President and CEO of Global Ties U.S. “I am deeply appreciative to have such talented experts help lead the Global Ties Network, the oldest and largest citizen diplomacy network in America.”
In addition to Elizabeth, Derrick, Patricia, and Diana, the following 12 individuals serve on the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors:
Christopher Washington, Ph.D., Chair
Executive Vice President & CEO
Urbana University
Columbus, OH
Jacqueline Miller, Vice Chair
President & CEO
World Affairs Council – Seattle
Seattle, WA
Henry Collins, Secretary
Vice President
Meridian International Center
Washington, DC
Mariano Gutierrez, Treasurer
Head of Global Marketing Operations
MetLife
New York, NY
Jacqueline Shipe, Ex-Officio
Chief Executive Officer
Global Ties Alabama
Huntsville, AL
Anna Aleman
Program Director, Development & Major Gifts
University Medical Center Foundation of El Paso
El Paso, TX
Peter Asaad
Partner
Quarles & Brady LLP
Washington, DC
Martin Baier
President & CEO
The International Center
Indianapolis, IN
Patricia Harrison, Ph.D.
Director of Global Programs (Professional Exchanges)
World Learning
Washington, DC
Barbara Keller
Principal
BIKConsulting, LLC
Arlington, VA
Robin Lerner
President & CEO
Texas International Education Consortium
Austin, TX
Cheryl Matherly, Ph.D.
Vice President & Vice Provost for International Affairs
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
The Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors is comprised of prominent leaders who provide thought leadership, strategic vision, and organizational direction for Global Ties U.S. Board members serve as advisors and ambassadors for Global Ties U.S., and help to drive strategy, assess effectiveness, and ensure adequate financial resources so that Global Ties U.S. can achieve its mission and vision. Board members are nominated by either a current Global Ties U.S. Board or Advisory Council member, or by a leader of a Global Ties Network member.
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.
For Press Inquires:
comm@GlobalTiesUS.org