As IES Abroad puts OpportunitIES in Motion to expand alumni and donor engagement, we are excited to introduce our community to the inaugural IES Abroad Leadership Engagement & Alumni Participation (“LEAP”) Council. Formed through an open application last fall and IES Abroad staff referrals, the LEAP Council reflects the breadth and variety of our dynamic global alumni network- now more than 190,000 strong.

These volunteer representatives will support the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team to brainstorm event strategy, develop professional growth opportunities, champion peer-to-peer and collective philanthropy, and help cultivate an energized and connected alumni community. 

Keep an eye out for your local representatives on our IES Abroad Alumni LinkedIn Group and at events in your area. 

Meet your 2026-27 LEAP Council

Seth Beard
Seth Beard Headshot

Seth Beard

IES Abroad Berlin, Fall 2005

Entrepreneur

Regional Representative for Southern California

Michael Cakmes
Michael Cakmes Headshot

Michael Cakmes

IES Abroad Barcelona, Summer 2012

Manager, Sustainability Advisory at Arcadis, U.S.

Regional Representative for Washington, DC metro area

Kojo Clarke
Kojo Clarke Headshot

Kojo Clarke

IES Abroad Nantes 2006-07

Licensed Insurance Broker

Regional Representative for Chicago, IL metro area

Merix Gustin
Merix Gustin

Merix Gustin

IES Abroad Nantes, Fall 2003

President, Event Operations at PAE Boulder

Regional Representative for Colorado

Daniela Milano
Daniela Milano Headshot

Daniela Milano

IES Abroad Siena, Fall 2009
IES Abroad Barcelona, Summer 2011
IES Abroad Milan, Fall 2011

Corporate Account Executive at Henry Schein

Regional Representative for South Florida

Cynthia Ohmann
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Cynthia Ohmann

IES Abroad Vienna, Spring 1976

Executive Producer/Managing Director at COMEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Regional Representative for Pacific Northwest

Mark Smith
Mark Smith Headshot

Mark Smith

IES Abroad Paris, Spring 1987

Retired Managing Principal

Regional Representative for Bay Area

Ty Thomas
Ty Thomas Headshot

Ty Thomas

IES Abroad London, Spring 2024

Supply Chain Planner at Quest Diagnostics

Regional Representative for Philadelphia and Tri-State metro areas

LeeAnn Weber
LeeAnn Weber Headshot

LeeAnn Weber

IES Abroad Berlin, Spring 2002

Risk, Resilience and Public Health Professional

Regional Representative for the Twin Cities metro area