Westporter named President of American Institute for Foreign Study

American Institute for Foreign Study

The American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), one of the oldest and largest cultural exchange organizations in the world, has just named its new President, John A. (Jack) Burg. Currently the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AIFS, Mr. Burg will succeed William L. Gertz as President, effective January 1, 2022.

Mr. Burg began his career at AIFS in 1998 as Assistant VP of Finance. He became CFO in 2005 and in 2013, his role was expanded to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“AIFS has been a cornerstone of cultural exchange and international education for 57 years,” states Mr. Burg, a Westport, Connecticut resident. “We truly make a difference in the lives of young people and families around the globe. I am honored to continue our mission of bringing the world together.”

Mr. Gertz adds: “Jack has been a tremendous asset to our organization for over two decades. Despite the recent challenges of the pandemic, Jack’s efforts were critical to moving AIFS forward toward a bright and successful future.”

As Mr. Burg takes on the role of President of AIFS, Mr. Gertz, who has fulfilled the role since 2005, will continue as Chairman for an additional 5 years. Mr. Gertz became Chairman following the passing of AIFS Founder, Sir Cyril Taylor in 2018.

AIFS has been a leading organization providing cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.6 million people since 1964. These opportunities include high school exchange programs through Academic Year in America; college study abroad and internship programs through AIFS Abroad and Global Experiences; high school educational travel through American Council of International Studies; au pair placement through Au Pair in America; insurance services through Cultural Insurance Services International; and camp counselor staffing through Camp America. Headquartered in Stamford, AIFS ranks as one of the top 10 places to work in Connecticut by Workplace Dynamics and Hearst Newspapers.

For information on AIFS, contact Mike Liberty at (203) 399-5187 or by email at mliberty@aifs.com