Board of Directors

Term Ending 2024

Jude Albukhari is a psychologist currently working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Her professional experience while obtaining her doctorate degree in psychology has allowed her the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and families from all walks of life.

Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Jude’s first taste of CISV came as an 11-year-old Jordanian delegate attending a Village in Darmstadt, Germany. Since then, Jude has joined two different National Associations, participated in several international programs, and taken on various roles, including National Leadership Trainer and JB Advisor. Jude became a founding member and President of CISV Southern California before leaving the warmth of SoCal to move to the East Coast. Jude is excited to join the Board and actively work towards upholding CISV’s mission, particularly within the context of important societal issues, including accessibility, diversity, and equity.

Venkat has worked for over 25 years at a Silicon Valley technology company where he is currently a Director of Project Management and Engineering Operations.  He has had several different responsibilities over the years helping to drive projects forward by analyzing and identifying areas of risk and providing direction and solutions.  He has also led worldwide teams and helped develop individuals into leaders and senior managers.

Venkat’s first involvement with CISV was in1982 as part of the San Francisco chapter’s first Village delegation. He continued to participate in CISV programs and serving locally in various positions including Junior Branch President and as an adult Chapter President.  Over the years Venkat also served on the National level in the Junior Branch and as an adult on the National Board before focusing on his career.  Venkat is excited to return to the CISV, the organization that helped shape his professional career, by joining the Board of Directors and focusing on chapter development and governance.

Madeline Collison

Term Ending 2025

Madeline has over twenty-five years of experience representing Colorado employees who have been subjected to unfair treatment in the workplace.  She has dedicated her legal career to advocating for workers who have been mistreated by their employers. She graduated from Wellesley College and obtained her law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.  She has also been active in the Colorado attorney community and served on the boards of various bar associations and other non-profit organizations in Colorado.

Madeline  joined the CISV Rocky Mountain Denver Chapter in 2005 when her four children started participating in CISV. Over the years, her children participated in twenty programs. Madeline credits CISV with teaching her young adult children how to be culturally competent global citizens.  She has served as her Chapter’s President and helped plan multiple CISV programs. She has also served as the CISV USA National Risk Manager and as a member of the Chapter Development training team. Madeline is excited to serve on the CISV USA Board of Directors and looks forward to strengthening and expanding the organization so that more children can experience the wonderful world of CISV.

Arnold Miller

Term Ending 2026

Arnold served as CEO of one of the country’s largest independent school & camp photography companies for over twenty years, where he continues as Chairman of the Board. Prior to that he was a marketing executive for major New York advertising agencies and packaged consumer goods companies.

He has been vigorously involved with the CISV-NY chapter for over forty years as a parent, grandparent and board member. His proudest achievement has been the founding of the CISV Faces of New Your Mosaic Camp which has operated for thirteen years.

Arnold also serves on the board of Aaron Copland House and the Ethiopian School Readiness Initiative.

His interests include outdoor activities, world travel, raising chickens and goats and collecting old group photographs. Arnold grew up in Baltimore and is happily married with two sons and four grandchildren.

Term Ending 2026

Sam Taussig has worked in emerging technology, small business, and machine-leaning-enabled industries across four continents with non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, and multilateral development organizations. Sam joins the CISV Board from Denver, Colorado, where he counsels startup companies on sustainable growth. Previously, Sam held significant roles at American Express in product development, operations, and public policy and was the Head of Global Affairs for Kabbage. He brings a perspective on digital literacy, public affairs, diplomacy, and economic development.

Sam joined CISV in 2007 on a Washington, D.C., and Hamburg, Germany Interchange program and has remained involved ever since.

Jamila Daniel

Laura Ripberger – Executive Director

Laura Ripberger has been with CISV USA for 13 years, she was promoted to Executive Director eight years ago. She holds a certificate in non-profit management from the University of Illinois. Laura has completed the AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising course and is an EXCEL Leadership Training class graduate.

In her role as Executive Director she oversees all operational aspects of the organization and she is continually amazed and honored to work with the army of dedicated volunteers across the country.

Laura had the privilege of becoming a CISV mom when her son was selected by the Cincinnati Chapter to attend a Village in Mexico City.  She has welcomed home stay participants from Guatemala, Mexico, and Spain. Both experiences cementing her passion for the mission of CISV to educate and inspire action for a more just and peaceful world.

 

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