ISE/GCN Selects Steve Struthers as new Executive Director

The alliance of Intercultural Student Experiences (ISE) and Global Citizens Network (GCN) has named Steve Struthers as the new Executive Director for both organizations.  Struthers brings more than 22 years of nonprofit, consulting and corporate experience to ISE and GCN.  He replaces outgoing Executive Director, Cindy Murphy Kelley.

"The leadership skills, strategic expertise and passion for international and intercultural learning that Steve demonstrated will advance the missions of both ISE and GCN," Karen Brown, board chair for the organizations, stated.  "Steve's extensive experience, personal leadership qualities and genuine commitment to our missions will energize our alliance, help us continue to build innovative programming and solidify our reputation as a leading provider of intercultural immersion and international learning experiences."

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director of ISE and GCN, Struthers served as Vice President for Strategy & Results Management for ServeMinnesota.  In this position he led strategic planning and performance management activities for all AmeriCorps national service programs in Minnesota.  He also served as the founding interim Executive Director for Minnesota Education Corps, an organization that oversees Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps programs.  Prior to his work with ServeMinnesota, Steve was a Senior Partner of The Public Strategies Group, Inc. and led the 2006 Statewide Independence Party campaigns for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Auditor.

As an undergraduate at Stanford University, Steve received a bachelor's degree (with honors) in political science, concentrating on American political institutions and policies.  Simultaneously, he earned a master's degree in organizational behavior through the university's Sociology department.  Steve also attended the masters degree program in public management at the University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.  In his studies, he focused on how the introduction of choice and competition can affect the delivery of public services.

Leadership Change for ISE & GCN

With gratitude for her many talents and years of dedicated service, the Boards of Intercultural Student Experiences (ISE) and Global Citizens Network (GCN) have accepted the resignation of their Executive Director, Cindy Murphy Kelley.  Cindy was hired in 2007 as Executive Director of ISE, bringing two decades of history in leadership positions at nonprofit organizations in Minnesota.  She was the visionary force behind the strategic partnership of ISE and GCN that was initiated in September 2009.  She has been a passionate advocate for excellence in programming and strategy for both organizations.  Cindy has resigned in order to pursue other work-related interests and opportunities.

The Boards of ISE and GCN have selected Chandler Group Executive Search to conduct the search for the next Executive Director.  With their assistance, we are confident that we will find leadership with the skills and dedication to continue the work and advance the exciting potential of ISE and GCN.  We anticipate the new Executive Director will be in place by June 1, 2011.

Cindy Chandler or Chris Cohen will be available to provide additional information for this position.  They can be reached at 952.471.3000.  The Chandler Group website is chandgroup.com

Connecting Student Language Immersion, Cross-Cultural Volunteerism

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN (September 8, 2009)

Intercultural Student Experiences (ISE), a leading provider of educational language immersion travel, is pleased to announce a strategic alliance with Global Citizens Network (GCN), a nonprofit provider of cross-cultural volunteer expeditions.

The partnership, effective September 1, 2009, will benefit these complementary and compatible nonprofits in numerous ways. Sharing resources will drive synergies and efficiencies that enable the organizations to further their respective missions. ISE participants will have the ability to take advantage of new programming to include cross-cultural immersion and international community development, while GCN gains access to a broader volunteer base. Ultimately, the partnership will provide greater resources and visibility to both organizations.

While Intercultural Student Experiences and Global Citizens Network will work cooperatively to advance and promote each other's missions, the nonprofits will maintain independent identities, boards and agendas.

Since 1972, more than 90,000 individuals from over 30 states have participated in language-based cross-cultural learning experiences through the nonprofit Intercultural Student Experiences (ISE). ISE educational travel programs emphasize cultural and language immersion, combining sightseeing with local family stays. ISE currently offers programs to nine countries worldwide for students learning Spanish, French, German or Mandarin. To learn more, visit www.isemn.org.

Global Citizens Network (GCN) is a nonprofit organization that has facilitated short-term, cross-cultural volunteer expeditions around the world since 1992. Participants immerse themselves in an indigenous community's culture and daily life, while partnering with a local grassroots organization to assist with locally led community development projects. GCN currently partners with 17 different communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, U.S. Native American reservations and Canada. GCN has been recommended by National Geographic,Budget Travel,The New York Times, NEED and Oprah Magazines as "One of the Best Volunteer Experiences." To learn more, visit www.globalcitizens.org.