Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is GISNY's primary governing body, responsible for providing strategic direction and financial oversight. This ensures both the fulfillment of our mission and the promotion of our long-term growth and financial health. In partnership with the Head of School and Administration, the Board operates in a spirit of collaboration. It consists of 15 elected trustees, who serve on a volunteer basis. Each trustee actively contributes to one or two committees, underlining their commitment to the school's success. You can contact our trustees.

Welcome by Head of School

Senior Leadership

Click on a committee to see its members.

Voting Members

Chris Brown

President of the Board

Chair Development Committee

Kenia Bustamante

Dr. Sabine Chlosta

Mahua Dandekar

Ole Jensen

Treasurer

Chair Finance & Audit Committee

Dr. Nils Hennig

Jennifer Hoffmann

Personnel Liaison

Luise Mahler

Rolland Mok

Dr. Peter Sallstig

Alexander Schwieger

Chair Governance Committee

Dr. Katja Simons

Bruni Topete-Raeder

Secretary

Dirk Zemke

Chair of the Board

Chair Building Committee

Non-Voting Members

Non‑voting members of the GISNY Board of Trustees contribute their expertise and perspective to Board discussions and committee work, helping to advance the School’s mission and strategic goals. While they do not vote on Board decisions, they play a vital advisory role and strengthen collaboration between the Board, the administration, and the broader school community.

Consul Natalie Troeller

Consulate General of Germany in NY

Dr. Kai Liekefett

The GISNY Corporation

From a legal point of view, GISNY is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit education corporation in the State of New York, governed by its Board of Trustees as outlined in the bylaws. (English version - orig.) (German version - transl.)

Being a member of the Corporation gives parents or guardians an active voice. Members of the Corporation meet once a year in November at the Annual Meeting of Members, where they ratify and approve the actions of the Board of Trustees from the preceding year and vote on motions that require approval. On that same evening, members elect five candidates for a three-year term to the Board of Trustees, which consists of fifteen elected members. Furthermore, any member of the corporation in good standing can submit a candidacy to run as a trustee.

Enrollment at GISNY automatically grants parents or guardians membership in the Corporation, unless they choose to opt-out. Those wishing to join or rejoin after opting out can submit a written application via office@gisny.org, subject to Board approval.

Annual membership dues are $60.00 per person and are invoiced separately.

Being a Trustee

The Board meets regularly every six to eight weeks, including school leadership, a representative from the Consulate General of Germany in New York, and representatives from both the STAC (Staff and Teachers Advisory Council) and the Parents' Association. Committee meetings are scheduled as required by ongoing projects.

Trustees dedicate at least 10 hours monthly to their roles, with those in committee leadership positions or during peak periods potentially investing 20 to 30 hours to meet the school's needs. While trustees receive no financial compensation for their considerable commitment, they gain immense satisfaction from contributing to GISNY's success. Their efforts help ensure exceptional student achievements and GISNY's long-term financial stability.

It is expected that each Trustee

understands and supports GISNY's mission, vision, and guiding principles,
acts in good faith at all times and in the best interests of the school in a non-partisan manner,
prepares diligently, attends faithfully, and participates constructively in all Board of Trustees meetings and related activities,
actively contributes to the work of the Board and its Committees,
participates regularly at events that are integral parts of the life of the GISNY community,
discloses promptly and fully any potential or actual conflicts of interest in accordance with the Board’s conflict of interest policies,
personally maintains exemplary ethical standards and
advocates GISNY’ interests and extends goodwill to one another and to all members of the GISNY community.

It is suggested that trustees commit to a minimum annual $1,000 tax-deductible donation to the school.

Becoming a Trustee

We warmly encourage our community members to offer their unique talents, professional insights, and expertise to our Board. While many of our trustees are parents within the school, we also welcome the invaluable perspectives and skills of non-parents, including alumni, to enhance our strategic planning and financial oversight.

Our Board comprises 15 trustees, elected for three-year terms at the Corporation's annual meeting every November. Any member in good standing is eligible to stand for election as a trustee.

GISNY trustees are dedicated volunteers, committing their time, knowledge, and financial support to advance the school's mission. They play a crucial role in guiding our strategic direction and actively participate in both continuous and specific projects through committee work, aiming to bolster our school's academic, financial, and community standing.

Background Reading
All applicants should read and understand GISNY’s mission, the bylaws (English version - orig.) (German version - transl.) of the Corporation and the Handbook for German Schools Abroad (available upon request from GISNY), the NY Attorney General’s Responsibilities of Directors of Not-for-profit Corporations, NYSAIS Manual for Evaluation and Accreditation – Section Three "Governance" and NYSAIS Principles of Best Practice - Board of Trustees.

Ready to apply?
If you believe you are a good fit to serve our school as Trustee, we thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your completed application. Inclusion of a resume is highly appreciated. Additional materials you perceive as relevant are welcome. Completed applications should be submitted to the Board of Trustees.

Download Application

Other Ways of Getting Involved

If the time commitment required for a Trustee role seems too extensive for you, we invite you to reach out to the Board or Parents' Association for alternative volunteer opportunities at GISNY. Our school greatly appreciates the support of volunteers and donors in various capacities, contributing to our ongoing efforts and special projects. Your support is invaluable to us—thank you!

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