The American Swiss Foundation's mailing address has been updated. Please save the following address for all future correspondence:
American Swiss Foundation, c/o CBIZ, 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
AMERICAN SWISS FOUNDATION Staff
Staff
Vanessa E. Beary, Ed.D., was appointed Executive Director of the American Swiss Foundation in 2023. A 2016 alumna of the Young Leaders Conference, she first joined the Foundation in 2018. In her current role, Vanessa works closely with ASF Co-Chairs Robert J. Giuffra, Jr. and Markus U. Diethelm, as well as the Board of Directors, to strengthen U.S.-Swiss relations through person-to-person diplomacy. She is responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s daily operations and advancing its mission to connect and inspire transatlantic leaders.
Vanessa's expertise spans international education, development, and diplomacy. Before joining ASF, she served as Senior Advisor for Youth Entrepreneurship at the U.S. Department of State and taught as an Adjunct Professor at American University's Kogod School of Business. She began her career at the U.S. Department of Defense, where her work in Iraq earned her the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, the Arm's third-highest public honor for civilians. Vanessa conducted her dissertation fieldwork in Khujand, Tajikistan as a Fulbright Fellow, and while there, enjoyed teaching at the Tajik State University of Commerce and Trade.
Vanessa holds both an Ed.D. and Ed.M. from Harvard University, an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge, and a B.A. with honors from Brown University.
Communications and Data Coordinator
As Communications and Data Coordinator, Evan supports the foundation by making financial reports, assisting with the database transition, supporting the Young Leaders Conference logistics, and other operational tasks. Previously, Evan interned for the ASF for two summers and supported various events throughout the years. Before ASF, Evan interned for Heritage Brazil, a high-end Brazilian Design furniture company, where he created a database and revised their social media marketing plan.
Evan has a Business Degree with concentrations in International Business and B2B Marketing and a Minor in International Studies from Siena College.
Programs and Events Coordinator
As the Programs and Events Coordinator, Emma supports the planning and facilitation of all Foundation programming. Prior to joining ASF, Emma served as a project analyst supporting information management to government clients, where she developed reporting strategies, visual graphics and written communication plans for department-wide initiatives. As a Graduate Assistant at the University of Florida, she developed her passion for program management by coordinating Great Gator Welcome, the Student Involvement Awards and other large-scale events.
Beyond her professional experience, Emma is a proud "Double Gator", holding both a BA in History & Criminology and a MS in Management from the University of Florida. While on campus, she served on various leadership committees and student organization executive boards to lead programs that strengthened student engagement and alumni relations.
Member and Outreach Coordinator
As Membership and Outreach Coordinator, Caroline oversees and develops the foundation's strategic partnerships and member engagement. Prior to joining ASF, Caroline worked in Outreach and Operations with the U.S. Senate, where she played a critical role in increasing statewide constituent outreach. Before that, she held internships with the Florida Senate, U.S. Embassy Belmopan, and U.S. Senate, where she conducted media research, prepared strategic communications materials, and facilitated public affairs for diverse audiences.
Caroline holds a dual MA in Global Studies from the University of Leipzig and University of Vienna and a BS in International Affairs from Florida State University, demonstrating her strong passion for cultural exchange and international relations.