IEFT Board of Directors

James Keller, MBA, Chairman
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA

Mr. Keller joined the IEFT Board of Directors in 2007 and provides governance and fiduciary oversight, sets policy, and assesses the overall performance of IEFT. As a retired Senior Executive of a Fortune 100 Company, Jim has significant experience in global strategic and operational initiatives, and has in depth knowledge of issues related to sustainability, including natural resource management. He is recognized for his ability to provide strategic direction for corporate and business groups, and has proven his ability to utilize organizational and visionary skills necessary to implement change management for organizations in need of new business models. In addition to his work serving IEFT, Jim also serves as a consultant to various boards, CEOs, owners, and presidents focused on business improvement, corporate governance, and international development.  

Mr. Keller was awarded his MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration from Dartmouth College (1974) after earning his BSME summa cum laude from the University of Vermont (1972). In 2007, he completed the Corporate Governance Training: The Conference Board – Director’s Education Program, while serving on the Board of Advisors for the University of Vermont School of Business and acting as President for International Corrugated Case Association. 

 
Ambassador Alan Holmer, Esq., Board Member
Washington, D.C., USA

Mr. Holmer joined the IEFT Board of Directors in January 2009 though has served as an advisor since the organization's inception. Alan recently completed his position as Special Envoy for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, a position to which he was appointed by Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Paulson. He previously served for 10 years as President and CEO of PhRMA (Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America), where he led efforts to improve intellectual property protection around the world. Alan has extensive experience handling legal, international trade, and governmental issues, having held various positions within the Office of the US Trade Representative, the Commerce Department and the White House, including serving as Deputy US Trade Representative with rank of Ambassador. Mr. Holmer has been involved in many community service organizations, including currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Chair of the Washington DC Chapter’s Volunteer Leadership Initiative. He has also served as Co-chair of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) and is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. 

Mr. Holmer earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the Georgetown University Law Center (1978) and an AB from Princeton University (1971).

Why he does it: "I can't imagine a more noble calling than helping to educate Tanzanians, with a model for building and operating schools that is replicable throughout Tanzania and all of Africa. IEFT's efforts at combating corruption are also truly exemplary."
 

Kristin Thomas, MEd., Board Member
Laguna Beach, California, USA

Kristin joins the IEFT Board of Directors with over 25 years of experience in education. As a teacher in public and private schools, a K-8 technology specialist, volunteer in classrooms, a leader in PTA at the local and county level, and as a program director for an educational non-profit, she has a proven dedication to lifelong learning and a passion for youth education. 

Kristin earned her Masters in Education in Curriculum and the Study of Schooling from UCLA (1986) and her BA in Liberal Studies from California Polytechnic State University (1984). She recently completed UCLA’s certificate program in College Counseling and has active memberships in IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association), WACAC (Western Association of College Admissions Counseling), and NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Counseling). Having previously worked for nonprofits in the education sector, Kristin also brings knowledge in the areas of project implementation as well as governance and fundraising campaigns.

Why she does it: "Even after my return from Africa, I couldn't forget the great work IEFT was doing, and the beautiful smiles of the Tanzanians I had met and worked alongside. Education is key to so many of today's issues, I can't think of a more important role than supporting the building and running of replicable, sustainable secondary schools for the least-served populations of Tanzania."
 

 Jeff Britton, MEd., Board Member
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Mr. Britton joins IEFT’s Board of Directors after serving as a volunteer at Orkeeswa Secondary School in 2008.  For the decade preceding his volunteer efforts for IEFT, Jeff served as a Professional Motivational Speaker and Youth Consultant for Attollo Presentations, where he inspired youth audiences to create change and make a difference. Prior to his career inspiring change in youth, Jeff taught in a secondary school in the Hong Kong Chinese Public School System from 2004-2007. Mr. Britton also has experience teaching at the elementary and secondary level in the Nova Scotia school system as he served as a substitute teacher for the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

Jeff earned his Master of Education in Education Psychology, with a concentration in Human Relations at Mount St. Vincent University (2006). He also earned his Bachelor of Education with a concentration in Secondary School at Acadia University (2002) and was awarded his BA, with a major in English, from St. Mary’s University (2000).
 
Why he does it: "As a teenager I once set an immeasurable goal: to make a difference. I hold Mahatma Ghandi's well-known quote, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world", very close to my heart, and encourage others to create positive change not only within their personal lives and local communities, but also within our global community."