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IFES Elects New Chair, Welcomes New Board Members

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The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is pleased to announce the election of Thomas “Tad” Devine as Chair of its Board of Directors.  Ambassador J. Kenneth Blackwell, the previous Chair of the Board, was elected as Co-Chair. Devine, a Democrat, and Blackwell, a Republican, will lead the IFES Board of Directors in an expression of the Board’s bipartisan nature.

The Board affirmed the continued service of June Langston DeHart and Ambassador William C. Eacho as Vice-Chairs, Ambassador Theodore Sedgwick as Treasurer, and Randal Teague Sr. as Secretary.

The Board also voted to approve two new members: Fred Humphries, Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft Corporation, and Charles “Chuck” Dolan, Senior Strategist at kglobal.

These decisions were taken at a meeting of the IFES Board of Directors on March 16, 2021.

“It is an honor to serve as Chair during a time when democracy is under unprecedented assault around the world,” said Devine. “I am excited to support IFES’ work with the new Administration and Congress as IFES continues to build democracies that deliver for all.”

“It is a privilege to continue serving in a leadership role as co-chair of the IFES Board of Directors,” said Blackwell. “I am looking forward to promoting IFES’ mission and new strategic plan, and supporting the important work of the organization however I can.”

“IFES’ bipartisan leadership model is critical to the success of our mission,” said IFES President and CEO Anthony Banbury. “At a time of domestic political polarization, IFES Board leadership shows what consensus and constructive conversations can accomplish. It is an honor to work with this outstanding group of leaders.”

 Catlin O’Neil stepped down from the Board in December 2020.  The transitions bring the total number of Board members to 25.

 “I am deeply grateful for Catlin O’Neil’s service and contributions to the Board, particularly her active engagement on the Governance Committee,” said Banbury. “Her commitment to bringing the best talent possible to IFES has helped make us a better organization.”

 Learn more about IFES’ Board of Directors here: https://www.ifes.org/who-we-are/board