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AFS International Announces New President, Leslie E. Bains
AFS International Announces New President, Leslie E. Bains
Published 06-25-04
Submitted by AFS International
"AFS is the leading organization for the promotion of intercultural understanding through educational youth exchanges," said Bains. "In a time of increased political tension and cultural discord around the world, AFS plays a critical role in turning diversity into an asset instead of a source of conflict."
"I was pleased to see my accomplished former colleague, Leslie Bains, selected as the new President of AFS International. The combination of her experience in the nonprofit area and her business talents will ensure the continuing excellence of AFS," said Sir John Bond, Chairman, HSBC Group. "I was privileged to study abroad for a year as a young man so I understand the enormous benefits AFS programs provide young people. As well as learning within a different school system, the broader exposure to a new culture is educational in the widest sense and of real lasting value."
The appointment of Bains as President of AFS International marks a new emphasis for the leading global exchange program, one of increased collaboration among the private, public and nonprofit sectors to strengthen intercultural exchange programs. Bains's experience in the international financial community will assist AFS in identifying growth opportunities, new funding sources, and its role as a facilitator of global cultural, political and economic dialogue and understanding.
In her previous position as Senior Executive Vice President, Bains was the highest-ranking woman at HSBC, a member of the Senior Management Committee and oversaw Assets Under Management totaling USD$52 billion. In addition, Bains was previously Managing Director of Citibank's Global Private Banking Group and Senior Vice President at The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. She is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of American University from which she holds a Bachelor's Degree and Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors of the Terry Sanford Institute for Public Policy at Duke University. She serves on the Board of Visitors of Duke University Medical School, Executive Committee of Junior Achievement of New York and Roundabout Theater in New York and on the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Museum, Board of Trustees of the American University of Sharjah, a Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Club of New York.
"Leslie Bains's appointment as president of AFS International combines her considerable international experience and leadership with her lifelong commitment to education," said Nannerl O. Keohane, president of Duke University. "At a time of rapid technological, social, economic, and political change, it is more important than ever that young people become familiar with different cultures and perspectives to prepare them for world citizenship. I'm confident that Leslie's vision in service to our youth, and her deep understanding of the importance of preparing students for global change, will enable AFS International to build on its distinguished record in shaping generations of future leaders."
About AFS
AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. (www.afs.org) is one of the world's largest not-for-profit community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world through intercultural exchange. A network of 52 AFS Partner organizations run programs in more than 50 countries involving over 10,000 students, young adults and teachers each year. Since 1947, over 300,000 individuals and an equal number of host families have had the AFS experience. In addition, AFS has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and works with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.
