WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cultural Vistas is pleased to announce the addition of three distinguished members to its Board of Directors, enhancing the organization’s commitment to international exchange and global cooperation.
These new board members will bring their unique expertise and perspectives to the organization, furthering its mission to connect individuals across cultures and foster positive global change. Their varied backgrounds in education, diplomacy, and community development will enrich the board’s discussions and initiatives.
The new board members officially commenced their three-year terms this fall. Cultural Vistas is looking forward to their contributions in driving forward the organization’s goals and enhancing its impact in communities around the world.
To learn more about our new board members and their backgrounds, please visit the link below. Cultural Vistas remains grateful for the support of its community as it continues to grow and evolve.
Meet the Newest Board Members
James Bernard
James Bernard co-founded the Global Impact Collective in early 2024, a strategy and design firm dedicated to human-centered approaches in sustainability and social impact, focusing on food systems, the environment, and global health. With over 30 years of experience, James is a recognized expert in cross-sector collaborations, having developed numerous sustainable partnerships among companies, NGOs, and governments. He believes collaboration is essential to address today’s global challenges. Before the Global Impact Collective, James led Resonance Impact Advisors, growing it into a successful consultancy with major clients like PepsiCo, Unilever, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also spent over 15 years at Microsoft, enhancing global education and workforce development initiatives. An accomplished speaker on partnerships, James has worked in over 50 countries and serves on the Board of Directors for Atlas Corps, a non-profit focused on cultural exchange. He resides in Seattle with his family.
Gretchen Ehle
Gretchen Ehle is non-profit executive with over 20 years of experience in finance, business development, operations, program management and compliance. She is ABD from George Mason University in Public Policy, a Masters of International Commerce and Policy from George Mason, and Bachelors of International Affairs from The George Washington University. She began her career within the big 4 accounting firms where she gained financial acumen. Since then she has worked primarily in the non-profit and university industries with a focus on foreign policy, international diplomacy and leadership development. Currently she serves as the Chief Finance and Revenue Office at the Atlantic Council, a foreign policy think tank in Washington, DC. During her tenure she established the organization’s US government practice, which has grown to 15% of the organization’s revenue in four years. Prior to her current role, she spent 10 years leading global programs at the Meridian International Center. Prior to Meridian, Gretchen lived and studied in Africa and Asia researching international entrepreneurship policies. She was also the inaugural managing editor of the academic journal INNOVATIONS: Technology | Governance | Globalization. She is an avid volunteer having served on the boards of the Rotary Club, Junior Leagues of Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, and her sorority’s foundation board of directors. She lives in Washington DC with her husband and two dogs.
Raul R. Herrera
Raul R. Herrera is a distinguished attorney and partner at Arnold & Porter specializing in international corporate and financing transactions, with a particular focus in Latin America and the Caribbean. He is originally from Panama, lived his formative years in Manila, Philippines, and earned his J.D. and B.A. from The George Washington University. With over 30 years of experience, Raul has represented a diverse array of clients, including multilateral agencies, commercial banks, project sponsors and host governments, in complex financial deals and international arbitration matters. Herrera is a respected figure in international arbitration, frequently advising on high-stakes disputes. His notable roles include serving as general counsel and legal department manager for the Inter-American Investment Corporation (dba IDB Invest) and as interim general counsel and legal director for the Green Climate Fund. He is also an active member of various boards and organizations, contributing to global economic and legal advancements. Fluent in Spanish and conversant in Portuguese, Herrera is celebrated for his expertise and leadership in international law.