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

Leslie Olma
VICE CHAIR

Kristan McMahon
SECRETARY CHAIR, GOVERNANCE

Eric Biga
TREASURER

Misha Putnam
TRUSTEE

Amy Ballard
TRUSTEE

Chris Nielson
TRUSTEE

Tiffany Sanchez
TRUSTEE

Burt Wagner
TRUSTEE

Scott Messing
PRESIDENT & CEO, EX OFFICIO
Executive and Senior Staff

Scott Messing
PRESIDENT & CEO

Stephanie Gunther
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PARTICIPANT MANAGEMENT

Heidi Petras
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Gina Zoss
DIRECTOR OF PLACEMENT

Jennifer Heusted-McKendree
DIRECTOR OF STUDY ABROAD

Alisha Whitelock
DIRECTOR OF SUPPORT SERVICES

Jenna Girardin
DIRECTOR OF GRANT PROGRAMS

Heather Dorsey
DIRECTOR OF TRAVEL
