/Staff

Staff

AMERICAN SWISS FOUNDATION Staff

Dr. Vanessa BearyYL 2016

Executive director

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.

Evan Austria

Communications and Data Coordinator

As Communications and Data Coordinator, Evan supports the Foundation by developing and implementing communication plans, managing and maintaining the database, and assisting with event logistics. He produces the weekly newsletter, runs ASF’s social media platforms, designs and distributes press releases and invitations, and updates the Foundation’s website.

Before becoming Communications and Data Coordinator, Evan first volunteered at the ASF’s 77th Annual Gala Dinner in 2022, then interned for two summers before joining part-time as Operations Assistant while finishing his degree. Before ASF, Evan interned for Heritage Brazil, a high-end Brazilian Design furniture company based in Southampton, where he created a database and revised their social media marketing plan.

He holds a Business degree with concentrations in International Business and B2B Marketing, along with a Minor in International Studies from Siena College (now Siena University). Evan also studied abroad at Freie Universität Berlin and in Siena, Italy.

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Jordan Bolds-Lockwood

Operations Coordinator

As Operations Coordinator, Jordan supports the internal administration of the Foundation, ensuring the Foundation memorializes its institutional practices and operates with efficiency. Prior to joining ASF, Jordan served as Executive Assistant to the Bureau for Asia with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), directly supporting the Assistant Administrator and the Chief of Staff of the Asia Bureau, as well as supporting researching topics regarding international development and other topics related. Before his role at USAID, Jordan served as the Administrative Officer for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)- Delegation to the United Nations. He was responsible for the oversight of the operational, administrative, and logistical support of the Delegation, including support of executive leadership and high-level visitors in the ICRC network, and in addition assisted Delegation advisers with reporting and notetaking at UN related events.

Jordan graduated with a Masters of International Affairs at Baruch College- City University of New York in 2023.Jordan received his Bachelors from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina where he received a BA in both Government and History in 2017. He also played college football for Wofford College, from 2013-2017, playing offensive line for the Terriers as well as earning SoCon Honor Roll accolades.

Emma Carter

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.

Caroline Jablow

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.

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ASF Team at the Federal Palace of Switzerland (November 2025)