The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) announces the appointment of Brian Whalen to the position of AIRC Executive Director. Brian will replace Mike Finnell, who will retire in December of this year after a very successful and highly accomplished tenure during which time AIRC experienced impressive growth in membership, partnerships and influence.
Among the most well-known and influential international education leaders, Brian served for a dozen years as the President and CEO of The Forum on Education Abroad, the first Standards Development Organization (SDO) worldwide focused on international education. Under Brian’s leadership, The Forum gained national and international recognition as the premier organization for quality assurance and professional development in education abroad, as membership grew to over 800 institutions and organizations. Brian also currently holds the positions of Dean’s Fellow at Dickinson College, and International Education Leadership Fellow at the University at Albany. Read Brian's full bio.
The AIRC Board of Directors officially approved the appointment of Brian at their August meeting. He will commence his duties October 1 and work with Mike and the full AIRC Board and staff in transition. The AIRC Board and Certification Commission promote AIRC’s Certification Standards as quality measures in international education and international student recruitment. With the very able support of staff, the AIRC Board, Certification Commission and many AIRC member volunteers, AIRC will continue broadening its influence, enlarging its membership and developing partnerships with domestic and international counterparts and government branches.