“The shape of the world a generation from now will be influenced far more
by how well we communicate the values of our society to others than by our
military or diplomatic superiority.”
—Senator J. William Fulbright, 1964
AIFS Foundation Board of Trustees
Governance
As a not-for-profit, independent, public charity, the AIFS Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, and other professionals who share a common interest in fostering international understanding and cooperation.
The Trustees meet regularly to review the effectiveness and quality of the AIFS Foundation’s programs and to approve grant requests from institutions and individuals.
The Executive Director is Melanie French, a professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of international education. Ms. French is assisted by an experienced staff in overseeing the programs and grants.
Gail Hochhauser
Chair, AIFS Foundation
Almost 40 years of experience initiating, managing, and maintaining international education programs, publications, corporate partnerships, and other development activities focusing on individuals, private and public sector groups. Retired Senior Director, Organizational Advancement, NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Melanie French
Executive Director, AIFS Foundation
Over 35 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, former Director of the Academic Year in America program, former host parent and exchange student.
Mariam Assefa
Retired Executive Director and CEO of World Education Services
Mariam is devoted to facilitating the academic and economic integration of international students and immigrants through the recognition of their educational qualifications. The WES Board of Trustees established the $30 million WES Mariam Assefa Fund to support catalytic efforts that ensure the economic integration and advancement of immigrants and refugee workers in the U.S. and Canada. She was the Executive Director of WES for 38 years, President of NAFSA (2006), Vice-Chair of the Alliance for International Exchange (1996-1999), and Trustee of Richmond American University in London (1992-2014).
John A Burg
President, American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
Over 25 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, 35 years of accounting/finance experience, and former host parent.
Kim Fleming Balkun
Senior Vice President, Globals Marketing, American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
18 years of experience in international education and cultural exchange, over 30 years of experience in marketing and creative direction.
Janet Warm Fliegelman
Chief Financial Officer and Associate Director, Camp Zeke
Over 20 years of experience in not-for-profit overnight camp leadership, managed camps that hosted hundreds of international campers and staff in support of cultural exchange and the global community.
William L. Gertz
Chairman, American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
40 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange. After serving AIFS for 38 years, including 13 years as CEO, Bill was elected Chairman of AIFS in 2018. Bill continues to lead the initiatives at AIFS that are instrumental to the growth and direction of the company. AIFS programs collectively have nearly 40,000 participants worldwide each year. Bill is also a Trustee of the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation (CTCF), a UK charity that provides grants, scholarships, and international opportunities to underserved students around the world.
Fanon Howell
Director & NYC Project Manager, The Carmel Hill Fund Education Program
Over 20 years of management and executive experience in the non-profit and education sectors, 15 years of editorial and faculty positions in higher education, board member of the National Society for the Gifted and Talented & Mott Haven Academy Charter School.
Rose Marie Hurrell, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita, The College of New Rochelle
40 years of experience in higher education, including instruction. Administrative Trustee, the Russel R. Taylor Foundation.
Peter Jones
Co-Founder and President of American Council for International Studies (ACIS)
40 years of experience in the field of international education and high school programs, board member of AIFS Inc.
Thomas Kiechle
Managing Director, AIFS Germany
Over 25 years of experience in youth travel and cultural exchange, lived and worked abroad in the U.S. and South Africa, former high school exchange student.
James Mahoney
Treasurer, AIFS Foundation
Over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, board member and supporter of Children’s Help Net Foundation.
Dr. Mirka Martel
Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning, International Institute for Education (IIE)
20 years of experience managing research and evaluation projects in international education, leadership, and development. Oversees key resources of academic mobility flows in the United States and worldwide – the historic Open Doors report on international educational exchange and the Project Atlas research initiative on global student mobility.
Joseph Renzulli
Professor Emeritus
Dr. Renzulli served as the Director of The National Research Center On The Gifted and Talented at the University of Connecticut for 22 years, and was awarded over $50 million in research grants. He has spent his career on research focused on developing creativity and giftedness in youth and the use of gifted education pedagogy to increase engagement and achievement for all children. He was voted number 3 in the Global Guru Survey among the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals for 2022.
Paul Savage
Retired Educator
Paul Savage is a retired educator with more than 15 years of experience mentoring high school students. Prior to teaching, he had over 25 years' experience as a photojournalist for the Trenton Times (NJ). He serves as a board member to the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore and is an active volunteer for numerous organizations on Cape Cod, MA, where he and his wife Judy reside.
Peter Tcherepnine
Senior Vice President, GAMCO Asset Management
60 years' experience in international investment management and investment business. Board Member AIFS Inc, Board Member Loeb Holding Corp, Board Member Dutchess Land Conservancy.
Paul Watson
Executive Director, Emeritus AIFS Abroad
Over 40 years' experience in higher education and study abroad administration. His profound study abroad experience as a student living in Japan, together with a keen interest in world history and cultures, led to a career focused on providing students with opportunities to live, study and travel abroad.
Sir Cyril Taylor, GBE (1935-2018)
In remembrance of Sir Cyril Taylor, GBE, founder and former Chairman of the American Institute For Foreign Study. A brilliant man who advanced the field of international education around the world.