“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
As a not-for-profit, independent, public charity, the AIFS Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of educators, organization leaders and professionals who share a common interest in fostering international understanding and cooperation.
Chairman Benjamin Davenport and Executive Director Melanie French preside over the AIFS Foundation Board of Trustees, Mr. Davenport and Ms. French have over 70 years of combined experience in the field.
The Board of Trustees meets regularly to review the effectiveness and quality of AIFS Foundation programs and to consider grant requests from institutions and individuals.
46 years as a national and international educational administrator; retired principal of a recognized School of Excellence, School Evaluator for the U.S. Office of Education, and principal of AIFS international summer schools
Over 30 years of experience initiating, managing, and maintaining international education programs, publications, corporate partnerships, and other development activities focusing on individuals and associations
Over 30 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, Director of the Academic Year in America program, experienced in high level conflict resolution, former host parent and exchange student
10 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, 20 years of accounting/finance experience, former host parent
Career Foreign Service Officer with assignments in Germany and the Middle East, former President of the Foreign Policy Association in New York, Coordinator for Youth Exchange Programs in North Michigan
10 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, 21 years of experience in marketing and creative direction.
35 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, Vice Chairman of AIFS Inc, board member of the National Society for the Gifted and Talented, Chair of the Alliance For International Education
Her thirty five year tenure as faculty at The College of New Rochelle includes five years as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
30 years of experience in international educational and cultural exchange, expertise in program development and marketing and brand initiatives
Former teacher, with experience on Capitol Hill, in the White House, at the Department of Defense in the Office of the Secretary overseeing U.S.-Defense Policy, and active partner in College Bound in Washington, D.C.
Over 20 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 in Arizona
Over 30 years experience as an established industry expert, thought leader, and educator. Leads the development of partnerships and initiatives that connect public school/district achievement concerns with innovative service and program solutions between public education, governmental bodies, and the private sector. Also a proud host parent for high school exchange students.
15 years experience with AIFS in development and administration of programs in Europe and Asia including responsibility for Academic Year and AIFS Study Abroad. Advancement administrator in independent schools in Connecticut. Currently involved in Friendship Family program for international students at the local college
Over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, board member and supporter of Children’s Help Net Foundation
35 years of experience as an administrator and teacher in Virginia, 12 years coordinating the Carmel Hill Fund’s education projects in the U.S. and abroad
Founder and Chairman of AIFS, leader in education reform in the UK, Founder and former Chairman of Specialist Schools and Academies Trust in the UK, Advisor to 10 successive UK secretaries of state for education, founder, former Chair of Trustees and currently Chancellor of Richmond, The American International University in London, international author
Trustee of Richmond, the American International University in London and founder of The Taylor Foundation, which supports low income students in pursuit of foreign studies
Board member of AIFS, Inc. Experience in international money management and international business
30 years of experience in higher education specializing in international development and Global Education, Visiting Professor at Kenyatta University in Kenya and at the University of Malawi
Over 15 years advising leading education organizations, specializing in the intersection of public policy and innovation. Active education investor and frequent commentator on the challenge sand opportunities faced by entrepreneurs
Over 35 years of experience in higher education and study abroad administration. As a student, lived and studied in Japan. Board member of AIFS, Inc.
Principal of elementary, middle and high schools in Raleigh, NC, Assistant Superintendent Raleigh schools, State Director of Special Education, Assistant State Superintendent in NC, Education Advisor for two NC Governors, Executive Director of the NC Business Committee for Education, Principal of first AIFS high school group in France, 1964.
Over 40 years of experience in the field of education, as a superintendent and head master in Connecticut and Ohio
“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