YFU USA’s Board of Trustees provide strategic and governance oversight for the organization. Comprised of leaders in business, education, international relations, non-profit management, marketing/communications, and law, and culled from the rich tapestry of volunteers that serve YFU programs, the Board’s work is conducted through regular meetings of the whole Board and through deep engagement on the Executive, Finance & Audit, Governance, and External Affairs Committees.
Board of Trustees

Bastian von Beschwitz
CHAIR

Amy Ballard
VICE CHAIR

Kristan McMahon
SECRETARY CHAIR, GOVERNANCE

Eric Biga
TREASURER

Jyarland Daniels
TRUSTEE

Susan Harcourt
TRUSTEE

Seena Mortazavi
TRUSTEE

Leslie Olma
TRUSTEE

Misha Putnam
TRUSTEE

Jennifer Zimdahl Galt
TRUSTEE

Scott Messing
PRESIDENT & CEO, EX OFFICIO

William Dant
ADVISOR, YFU INTERNATIONAL BOARD MEMBER
Executive and Senior Staff

Scott Messing
PRESIDENT & CEO

Stephanie Gunther
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PARTICIPANT MANAGEMENT

Megan Michels
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Heidi Petras
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Heather Dorsey
DIRECTOR OF TRAVEL

Gina Zoss
DIRECTOR OF PLACEMENT

Alisha Whitelock
DIRECTOR OF SUPPORT SERVICES

Jeff Simpson
DIRECTOR OF IT

Jennifer Heusted-McKendree
DIRECTOR OF STUDY ABROAD

Patti Sanderson
DIRECTOR OF GRANT PROGRAMS