Dear UR Colleagues,

As we approach the new year, I’d like to share some updates with you about our Clubs Team. First of all, I am pleased to announce that Abbey Johnson has been promoted to Clubs Program Director at the NDAA effective July 1, 2021. Abbey brought valuable insight from her time as Vice President of the New York City club, and since joining the Clubs Team in late 2019 as Clubs Program Manager, Abbey quickly established herself as a key member of our team. With Ellie Kuhns’ departure at the start of 2021, Abbey took on additional duties and clearly demonstrated her ability to guide our Clubs in engaging our alumni and friends, even in these difficult times.

Additionally, the role of International Alumni Relations Program Director will once again be a part of the Clubs Team and will report to Abbey. As you know, we were unable to fill this position after Nathalia Casiano resigned in September, but I’m pleased to announce that Lea Barthuly will succeed Nathalia in this important role on our team. Lea has been with the NDAA as the Alumni Education and Professional Programs Coordinator since January of 2018. A native of Bayreuth, Germany, Lea first came to the United States in 2007. In addition to the US and Germany, Lea has also lived and studied in China from 2009-2011, and again in 2012 and 2016. Lea holds an MBA from the University of North Florida and an MA in International Management and Intercultural Communication from the University of Warsaw.

Please join me in congratulating Abbey and Lea on their promotions. I’m excited to see the Clubs Team reach new levels of engagement for our alumni and friends with these changes.

All the best,
Mike Sullivan