AFS-USA, the largest partner in a worldwide network of non-profit, volunteer-based international education organizations, has welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors and announced a new Board Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer during its June meeting.
“Our mission has always centered on building meaningful connections across cultures and communities,” said Tara Hofmann, President & CEO of AFS-USA. “As we continue that work, we are also developing new strategies to extend our impact within the United States—exploring innovative ways to foster mutual understanding and strengthen connections with the many communities that shape our country. From the students we send and welcome to the families, schools, and volunteers who make it all possible, every part of the AFS-USA community plays a role in this effort.”
Newly Elected Board Members
Ms. Shira Fuller: Shira is a Senior Manager in the Development and Exempt Organizations Tax practice at KPMG US and is based in New York City. Shira is an active volunteer for the NYC Metro & Hudson Valley Area Team.
Ms. Thresa Giles: Thresa is the Chief Executive Officer of Hope & Help, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to ending the HIV and STI epidemic through health services, prevention, education, and community outreach.
Mr. Taylor Johnson: Taylor (U.S. to New Zealand) has deep connections to AFS having participated in an AFS program to New Zealand and is an active volunteer for the Capital Area Team in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Taylor was nominated to the board by the National Council of Volunteers.
Mr. David Lewis: David is Chief Investment Officer of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where he oversees $5 billion of endowment and retirement investments supporting one of the nation’s leading pediatric academic medical centers. David is an active AFS-USA volunteer for the Chicago Area Team.
Newly Elected Officers of the Board
Chair: Kelly McFarland Stratman: Kelly (U.S. to Denmark) is currently the Executive Director of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the largest professional organization in the country devoted to social studies education. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, Kelly is an ASAE-certified association executive with a track record of fostering innovation and transformative change for mission impact. Kelly is also active in her local AFS-USA volunteer team in Virginia.
Vice Chair: Madelyn White: Madelyn (U.S. to Belgium & France) will serve as Vice-Chair. Madelyn is a deeply connected, two-time returnee with AFS-USA and AFS host parent. Madelyn is Partner at Carter Ledyard & Milburn and is an experienced litigator representing clients in complex litigation matters.
Treasurer: John Bacon: John (U.S. to Belgium), is Chief Development Officer for Planned Giving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He previously served as Vice Chair of the AFS-USA Board.
Secretary: Patti Rounsevell: Patti (U.S. to Costa Rica) will serve as Secretary. Patti has an extensive background in community development for local government, private school management, and establishing a self-owned local business. Patti is also currently the Chair of the National Council of AFS-USA Volunteers.
AFS-USA would like to thank Barb Olson (U.S. to Turkey) who has served two terms on the Board of Directors, and who also served as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Board during her tenure. AFS-USA also thanks Jane Ransom (U.S. to Italy) who also served two terms on the board and was Vice-Chair and Chair while on the board. Barb and Jane’s contributions and guidance were critically important to both the organization’s recovery from COVID-19 and its Re-Envisioning project, resulting in new domestic programming. Connie Askin and Greg Sabin are also departing from their board roles, and AFS-USA greatly appreciates their service on the Finance and Audit Committee.
Collectively, the Board will work alongside AFS-USA leadership to advance the organization’s strategic priorities: strengthening and expanding a nationwide community of volunteers; broadening access to intercultural learning through study abroad, innovative domestic programs, scholarships, and fundraising; and deepening engagement with AFS alumni to amplify the organization’s lifelong impact.
“As we continue to grow our impact both globally and here at home, the leadership of our Board and the strength of our community will guide us,” added Hofmann. “Together, we are building a future where every young person has the opportunity to connect, learn, and lead with empathy in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Learn more about AFS-USA, its exchange programs, educator resources, podcasts, studying abroad, welcoming or hosting an exchange student in your community, or volunteering on our homepage.