The IIEP Executive Circle
A leadership community of alumni and friends advancing global economic policy research, student opportunity, and high-level dialogue at GW.
The IIEP Executive Circle brings together senior leaders, accomplished alumni, and emerging professionals who want to strengthen IIEP’s role as a bridge between academic research, policy practice, and student opportunity. Through their philanthropy, expertise, and participation, members help IIEP support students, advance research, and convene timely conversations on global finance, trade, development, and economic policy.
IIEP connects rigorous academic research with the people and institutions shaping the global economy. The Executive Circle extends that mission by bringing alumni, parents, and friends into closer partnership with IIEP’s students, faculty, and leadership.
Student Opportunity
Fellowships, career access, and networking for students preparing for globally engaged careers.
High-level Dialogue
Private discussions, public lectures, and campus convenings on international finance, trade, development, and geoeconomics.
Research & Policy
Faculty and student work that brings evidence-based analysis to real-world global challenges.
A Community of Alumni and Friends
The Executive Circle brings together alumni, parents, and friends with experience across global business, finance, trade, development, law, consulting, public policy, and entrepreneurship. Members contribute professional insight, mentorship, and philanthropic support that help connect IIEP’s students and faculty with the world beyond campus.
Meet the Executive Circle Co-Chairs:
Lisa Schroeter, BA '92
Global Director of Trade & Investment Policy, Dow
Co-Chair, IIEP Executive Circle
Carl Richardson, MA '99
Partner, Richardson Capital LLP
Co-Chair, IIEP Executive Circle
View the full list of members
What Executive Circle Support Makes Possible
Executive Circle contributions help fund tangible opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader IIEP community.
Executive Circle Fellowships
Created and funded by the Executive Circle, the IIEP Master’s Fellows program provides fellowship support for graduate students pursuing work related to international economics and policy.
View Fellow Profiles
Paid Student Researchers
Executive Circle contributions help IIEP hire students to support faculty and affiliated researchers on projects across international trade, finance, development, and global economic policy.
Special Initiatives
Executive Circle support helps advance timely policy conversations, student engagement, research-related programming, and emerging opportunities that further IIEP’s mission.
Upcoming events
Member Experience
Executive Circle members are invited into the life of IIEP through conversations, gatherings, student engagement, and special opportunities throughout the year.
From faculty-led discussions to student networking lunches, Dean’s events, and select partnership opportunities, membership offers meaningful ways to connect with IIEP’s students, scholars, alumni, and broader policy community.
Executive Circle members are invited to join IIEP on campus twice a year, with meetings typically held once in the fall and once in the spring. These gatherings offer regular opportunities to hear Institute updates, engage with Elliott School and IIEP leadership, meet faculty, connect with students, and build relationships with fellow members.
Meetings often include faculty presentations, student conversations, receptions, lunches, and side events that create additional opportunities for connection. Recent meetings have featured discussions with Dean Alyssa Ayres, student perspectives, and faculty research on topics including climate change, artificial intelligence, rare earths, critical minerals, and global economic policy.
IIEP IDEAS is a private, small-group discussion series created specifically for Executive Circle members. The series gives members an opportunity to engage directly with GW faculty, visiting scholars, and policy practitioners on timely issues in the global economy.
Designed specifically for Executive Circle members, these sessions are shaped by member interests and focus on timely questions at the intersection of policy, markets, business, and international affairs. Members can ask questions, exchange perspectives with one another, and engage directly with faculty on emerging trends, risks, and policy developments.
Executive Circle members visiting campus are also welcome to let us know if they would like to connect with faculty in a particular area of interest. When possible, IIEP can help arrange introductions or meetings. View our faculty affiliates
- Past IDEAS Sessions
2025-26
"Will the US Remain a Financial Safe Haven?"
Featuring GWU faculty Tara Sinclair, Sunil Sharma, Danny Leipziger, and Steve Suranovic."Regional Powers and their Business Prospects: Brazil, India, South Africa"
Featuring Ajay Chhibber, Danny Leipziger, and Barbara Stallings.“The Post-APEC Economic Outlook"
Featuring Jay Shambaugh (Professor of Economics and International Affairs, former Under Secretary for International Affairs, Treasury Department), Stephen Kaplan (Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs), and Barbara Stallings (Distinguished Visiting Scholar, IIEP, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Tsinghua University)"US-UK and UK-EU Trade Relations"
Featuring Meredith Broadbent, Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business at CSIS, and Emanuel Adam, Chief Trade and Policy Officer & Executive Director, BritishAmerican Business.2024-25
"US-China Relations & Hong Kong", September 20, 2024
Featuring EC Members Frank Wong, and Lisa Schroeter"The US Macroeconomic Outlook," December 4, 2024
Co-sponsors: IIEP, Elliott School Development Office, Boston Consulting Group
Featuring Tara Sinclair, Walt Vester, Carl Richardson2023-24
UBS Breakfast, September 26, 2023
Co-sponsors: IIEP, Elliott School Development Office, UBS
Speakers: Daniel Gerschel, Remi Jedwab, Lisa Schroeter, Mike RyanIIEP-IDEAS: Intro Webinar, November 7, 2023
Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl RichardsonIIEP-IDEAS: WTO Ministerial, March 19, 2024
Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl Richardson, Steve CharnovitzIIEP-IDEAS: The current wave of de-globalization; U.S. positioning towards China; and U.S. positioning vis-a-vis the WTO, May 2, 2024
Co-sponsors: Elliott School Development Office, DLA Piper
Speakers: James Berger, Steve Suranovic, Lisa SchroeterIIEP-IDEAS: Discussing the UK Elections, July 25, 2024
Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl Richardson, Ed Owen1: IIEP-IDEAS: UBS Breakfast, September 26, 2023
● Co-sponsors: IIEP, Elliott School Development Office, UBS
● Speakers: Daniel Gerschel, Remi Jedwab, Maddie Fallon, Lisa Schroeter, Mike Ryan2: IIEP-IDEAS: Intro Webinar, November 7, 2023
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl Richardson3: IIEP-IDEAS: WTO Ministerial, March 19, 2024
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl Richardson, Steve Charnovitz4: IIEP-IDEAS: The current wave of de-globalization; U.S. positioning towards China; and U.S. positioning vis-a-vis the WTO, May 2, 2024
● Co-sponsors: IIEP, Elliott School Development Office, DLA Piper
● Speakers: James Berger, Steve Suranovic, Kyle Renner, Maddie Fallon, Lisa Schroeter5: IIEP-IDEAS: Discussing the UK Elections, July 25, 2024
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl Richardson, Ed Owen
IIEP EXEC Student Networking Lunches. These small-group lunches and conversations connect Executive Circle members with Elliott School and other GW students interested in learning from the professional paths members have taken after graduation. Members have the opportunity to share their career journeys, discuss lessons from their professional experience, answer student questions, and help students better understand possible pathways across international economics, finance, trade, development, consulting, law, public policy, business, and related fields. If you are planning to be in Washington, D.C., please email iiep
gwu [dot] edu so we can explore opportunities to organize a student lunch around your visit.
Student Opportunities and Career Connections. Executive Circle members are encouraged to share internship, early-career, and professional development opportunities that may be relevant to IIEP-affiliated students. Many of our students are preparing for careers in international economics, finance, trade, development, consulting, law, public policy, business, and related fields, and IIEP is always looking for ways to connect them with meaningful opportunities. If your organization is hiring interns, fellows, or early-career professionals, please send opportunities to iiepgwu [dot] edu so we can share them with interested students.
Past IIEP EXEC Lunches:
- 2025-2026 Academic Year
IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, September 4, 2025
● Speaker: Maxmillian AngerholzerIIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, October 3, 2025
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Nick Pistentis, Erik Kiefel, Frank Wong, Ranjani SankaranIIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, October 23, 2025
● Speaker: Ranjani SankaranIIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, February 19, 2026
● Speaker: Lisa SchroeterIIEP-EXEC Student Networking Rounds & Reception, March 23, 2026
- 2024-2025 Academic Year
1: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, September 20, 2024
● Speakers: Frank Wong, Lisa Schroeter2: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, October 22, 2024
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, James Berger, Erik Kiefel3: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, November 14, 2024
● Speaker: Erik Kiefel4: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, January 31, 2025
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter and featuring Nicole Bivens Collinson, Brenda Smith, and Rebecca Gudicello5: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, April 1, 2025
● Speakers: Lisa Schroeter, Carl Richardson, Andrew Brown, Karl Wachter, Sarah Hirsch, Daniel Forman, as well as Paul Faulkner.6: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, April 8, 2025
● Speaker: Ergem Senyuva Tohumcu7: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, April 24, 2025
● Speaker: James Quigley- 2023-2024 Academic Year
1: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, January 24, 2024
● Speakers: Ray Brimble2: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, January 26, 2024
● Speakers: James Berger & Lisa Schroeter3: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, March 1, 2024
● Speakers: Anthony Yu4: IIEP-EXEC Student Networking Event, March 26, 2024
● Speakers: Carl Richardson, Paul Faulkner, Walter Vester, Lisa Schroeter, Jim Wodarski, Walter Vester, Karl Wachter, Jim Quigley
Special Invitations. Executive Circle members may be invited to select IIEP and GW gatherings throughout the year, including Dean’s salon dinners, regional receptions, New York policy breakfasts, pre-conference dinners, and special events connected to major IIEP conferences such as the India and China conferences.
These smaller gatherings create opportunities to meet speakers, connect with university leadership, and build relationships across the IIEP and GW community. For questions about special invitations, please contact iiepgwu [dot] edu (iiep[at]gwu[dot]edu) or Elaine Garbe, Director of Constituent Engagement and Annual Giving, at egarbegwu [dot] edu.
Event and Conference Partnerships. Members and their organizations may also explore opportunities to sponsor or support IIEP events, conferences, panels, student engagement, or other special initiatives. To discuss possible partnership opportunities, please contact IIEP at iiepgwu [dot] edu (iiep[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Executive Circle Members
Executive Circle members include alumni, parents, and friends working across finance, trade, development, law, consulting, technology, public policy, entrepreneurship, and related fields.
Partner and Head of the London Office, BDA Partners
Managing Director, Spruce House; Senior Adviser, Upsher Management Company; Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
Senior Director, Risk Management, KPMG
Partner, DLA Piper
Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Founder & Managing Partner, Canmore Capital
Global Enterprise Brand Executive, A.I.-enabled Hybrid Integration, IBM
U.S. Congressional Staff
Co-founder and CEO, Premier Logistics Properties
Community Leader
Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Director, Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Geopolitics
Chief Financial Officer, Pearl Health
Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer, Zero Hash
Co-Head, TDS Automated Trading, TD Securities.
Director, Equity Investments, Siemens Financial Services
Managing Director, Blue Owl Capital
Vice President, Project Finance and Business Operations, Everest Clinical Research
Senior Manager, Public Sector Strategy, Accenture
Executive Vice Chairman, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Director, Corporate Private Equity, Carlyle Group.
Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets LLC
Managing Director, Labor & Government Strategies, GCM Grosvenor
Partner, Richardson Capital LLP; Co-Chair, IIEP Executive Circle
Executive Director, Project & Export Finance, Standard Chartered
Global Director of Trade & Investment Policy, Dow; Co-Chair, IIEP Executive Circle
SVP, Sustainable Investment Research Senior Lead, Citi Global Wealth
Co-Founder, FutureWise Partners; Adjunct Faculty and Head of Experiential Learning, Fordham University London Centre
Managing Director at Rock Creek Global Advisors
President and CEO, Westbrook Development Partners and Prism Workspaces.
Senior Director of Operations Excellence, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG); Founder, Huygens: The Tactical Robo-Advisor.
Partner and the General Counsel of Magnetar Capital
Senior Advisor, Regal Hotels International
Director, Renaissance Technologies
Finance and Business Development
Finance Expert, xAI; Limited Partner & Fund Advisor, Oxonian Ventures