Press Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ursula Oaks, 202.737.3699 x2553
For Release: Dec 19, 2007
NAFSA Announces Staff Shift in Public Policy Department
WASHINGTON – NAFSA: Association of International Educators will promote Jill Welch to the association’s top public policy position—associate executive director for public policy, responsible for the overall leadership and management of the department—effective January 1, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Marlene Johnson announced today.
Victor C. Johnson, the current director, will become a part-time senior advisor to the department, responsible for providing strategic planning, advice, and consultation for the CEO and the department focused on the development, strengthening, and execution of the association’s public policy agenda. He will remain the department’s chief press spokesperson.
“The cause of international education has been transformed by Vic Johnson’s wise and innovative leadership during the past nine years,” said Ms. Johnson. “His commitment to the field, his well-honed ability to connect with leaders and opinion-makers on real issues, and his strategic approach to advocacy have made enormous contributions to NAFSA’s efforts to advance public understanding of and support for international education.”
Ms. Welch came to NAFSA in 1998, having held previous positions with former Senator Sam Nunn and the Institute of International Education. “As Jill has been promoted up through our ranks, she has demonstrated time and again her value to this association, her effectiveness at advocacy, and her deep commitment to this association’s belief that international education is fundamental to fostering peace, security, and well-being,” Ms. Johnson said. “I am delighted that this dynamic young leader will guide our public policy effort to the next level and beyond. At the same time, I am pleased that she and I will continue to benefit from Vic’s vast experience and wise counsel.”
“After more than 30 years of immersion in Washington’s foreign policy wars, I appreciate NAFSA giving me the opportunity to step back a little, think at a more strategic level, and spend some time doing other things. Jill and I are committed to a seamless transition. I have great confidence that under her leadership, and with the help of the excellent staff that we’ve recruited, the department’s best days are yet to come,” Mr. Johnson said.
Victor C. Johnson, the current director, will become a part-time senior advisor to the department, responsible for providing strategic planning, advice, and consultation for the CEO and the department focused on the development, strengthening, and execution of the association’s public policy agenda. He will remain the department’s chief press spokesperson.
“The cause of international education has been transformed by Vic Johnson’s wise and innovative leadership during the past nine years,” said Ms. Johnson. “His commitment to the field, his well-honed ability to connect with leaders and opinion-makers on real issues, and his strategic approach to advocacy have made enormous contributions to NAFSA’s efforts to advance public understanding of and support for international education.”
Ms. Welch came to NAFSA in 1998, having held previous positions with former Senator Sam Nunn and the Institute of International Education. “As Jill has been promoted up through our ranks, she has demonstrated time and again her value to this association, her effectiveness at advocacy, and her deep commitment to this association’s belief that international education is fundamental to fostering peace, security, and well-being,” Ms. Johnson said. “I am delighted that this dynamic young leader will guide our public policy effort to the next level and beyond. At the same time, I am pleased that she and I will continue to benefit from Vic’s vast experience and wise counsel.”
“After more than 30 years of immersion in Washington’s foreign policy wars, I appreciate NAFSA giving me the opportunity to step back a little, think at a more strategic level, and spend some time doing other things. Jill and I are committed to a seamless transition. I have great confidence that under her leadership, and with the help of the excellent staff that we’ve recruited, the department’s best days are yet to come,” Mr. Johnson said.
