Pam’s background as an ASSIST host parent, a global marketing executive and education consultant makes her a uniquely qualified member of the ASSIST Board. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in Government and Policy Studies, Pam began her career in advertising, working on global consumer brands before becoming V.P. of International Ad Sales…

A former ASSIST Scholar from Croatia (Cranbrook School, ’00), Helis is a valued member of the ASSIST Board. Her experience in the financial field and awareness of international educational issues make her the perfect addition to ASSIST’s Development and Alumni Relations and Campaign Steering Committees. Helis graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Economics…

Pamela first became acquainted with ASSIST in 1991 when she and her husband hosted an ASSIST Scholar. She now serves as the ASSIST Board Vice Chair, and is a member of the Campaign Steering Committee to help ensure that the gears behind the ASSIST framework turn smoothly. For many years, Pamela accompanied teachers and students…

Pippa Bond attended the Taft School through ASSIST in 1989 and is rejoining the ASSIST Board. She is a Capital Markets Partner in the Los Angeles office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Pippa has extensive experience in corporate finance and securities, including leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, and restructurings. Her work spans a broad range of industries,…

Jefferson Burnett is a strategic advisor to independent school heads and board chairs. He was formerly a vice president at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) where he led its global education, government relations, environmental and financial sustainability, advocacy, and accreditation work over his 30 year tenure. Jefferson was a governance and leadership resource for NAIS and the liaison to the association’s Board Governance Committee.He also served…

Bob’s impressive resume in the financial and legal fields makes him the ideal treasurer and member of the ASSIST Board of Directors. A member of the Executive Committee and the Compensation Subcommittee, and chair of the Finance Committee, Bob’s active involvement in ASSIST has been crucial to developing our fiscal responsibility and ongoing growth. Bob…

Peter’s passion is giving young people the opportunity to step into other cultures. His global experiences, passion for students, and experience in education make him a treasured member of the ASSIST Board. Peter received a B.A. in English from Middlebury College in 1980, followed by a M.A. in English Literature from Middlebury in 1986. After…

Joe’s experience as a school administrator, lawyer, teacher and development director gives him unparalleled discernment as a member of the ASSIST Board, where he serves as chair of the Development & Alumni Relations Committee and as an ex-officio member of the Campaign Steering Committee. He also serves on the Student Recruitment Task Force. Joe graduated…

A former ASSIST Scholar, Uli brings personal experience with international exchange to the ASSIST Board. He serves on the Executive and on the Development and Alumni Relations Committees, and his insight and contributions have been instrumental in building an ASSIST presence in Germany. Uli spent his ASSIST year at Deerfield Academy in MA in 1983/84,…

Patrice’s international background and experience both as an ASSIST host family and school trustee mean she contributes valuable experience and wisdom in her role on the ASSIST Board. She serves on the ASSIST Governance and Schools Committees. Originally from the Netherlands, Patrice worked in various hospitality management and technology roles in Europe, including for Disneyland…

Sean began his journey with ASSIST as a German Scholar at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School in Tennessee in 1994/95. Sean’s experience in business and law gives him an invaluable and practical perspective to support ASSIST’s mission. Sean is a member of the Development and Alumni Relations committee, and has been instrumental in his role as Chair…

John Kazickas brings both an international perspective and a passion for supporting education and the arts to the ASSIST Board. John attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT, before attending The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI where he received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering in 1980. In 1981, John began his career working…

Mirella began her relationship with ASSIST as a Scholar at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA. Today, she’s an accomplished businesswoman whose background in finance makes her a valuable asset to the ASSIST Investment Subcommittee. Mirella attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, where she graduated with a B.S. in Accounting in 2001. She…

Adriana Leon has expertise in Latin American business market development and a passion for providing higher education opportunities for underserved youth. She is currently a Senior Fellow in Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative. As CEO of Bretano Corp., she leveraged global raw materials trading markets to import and distribute petrochemicals and food additives throughout Latin…

Kate Meenan-Waugh has enjoyed nearly 40 years working in education as a teacher and administrator, specializing in global history and the creation of programs to expand global education. Her experience as a year-long exchange student in high school affirmed to her the value of experiential education as a means of personal growth and intellectual and…

Neo’s broad experience in schools and as a fundraiser in both the United States and Africa brings a unique and multi-dimensional perspective to the ASSIST Board and as a member of the Development Committee. Neo previously served as the Director of Development at the Maru-a-Pula School in Gaborone, Botswana, overseeing the school’s 50th-anniversary celebration in…

Libby comes to the ASSIST Board after a first chapter in Corporate America and a second, even more rewarding chapter living, working, and raising a family on a boarding school campus in Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Virginia and receiving an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Libby worked in corporate…

Andrew graduated from Suffield Academy in 1988, an ASSIST member school since the inception of the program. He went on to the University of Virginia, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, and next received his MBA from Columbia University.  Andrew holds the position of President at CAP Properties Limited, a family owned and run investment company.…

Woody is the longest-serving ASSIST Board member, a Director since 1982. His breadth of experience in schools, fundraising, and intercultural connections makes him a tremendous asset to ASSIST. He has served on multiple committees over the years, most recently, the Development and Alumni Relations Committee. Woody served as one of the primary interviewers for ASSIST…

Kotryna was first introduced to ASSIST as a scholar at Miss Porter’s School in 2011. Since then, her finance skills and passion for the life-changing impact of international education have brought her back to the organization. Kotryna is an Investment Banking Vice President at Baird, where she works on the Equity Capital Markets team and advises management teams…

Elizabeth “Bessie” Cromwell Speers officially began her tenure as Middlesex’s seventh head of school on July 1, 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience in independent schools to the position. Previously, she served for eight years as the head of Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware; her first headship was at The Ethel Walker…

Jill Thompson joined the Andover faculty in 2004 and the admission team in 2005, becoming director of admission in 2015 and interim dean of admission & financial aid for the 2019-2020 academic year. Externally, Thompson is responsible for managing many of the admission office’s outward-facing partnerships, including those with international organizations. She also serves as vice…

Over the course of a 40-year career, Chris has helped provide the financial and management infrastructure for students to have extraordinary secondary school educations. Chris began his career as a teacher, dorm head and coach at Brewster Academy, followed by positions in finance at Bank of New England and The Williston Northampton School. Chris worked…

In ASSIST, Louisa has found an important home for her many talents by serving on the Governance Committee, Messaging and Host Family Task Forces, and as co-chair of the Admissions Advisory Council. Louisa’s background in teaching and in leading independent schools, and her service as a board member at multiple independent schools and school associations…