Tammy Hettinger Appointed Executive Director of the Fulbright Association

Washington, D.C. — The Fulbright Association announces the appointment of Tammy Hettinger as its new Executive Director, beginning July 30, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and international education, Hettinger brings deep expertise in strategic partnerships, fundraising, and organizational growth.

In her current role as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Hettinger led initiatives that significantly increased sponsorship revenue and expanded global engagement. Her career includes executive leadership at Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE), where she guided a national volunteer network and exceeded fundraising targets, as well as strategic roles at TechnoServe, Humentum, and other mission-driven organizations.

As Executive Director, Hettinger will lead the Fulbright Association’s operations, partnerships, fundraising, and national network of 54 chapters. Her leadership will help drive key initiatives such as member engagement, advocacy for international exchange, and the continued success of programs including the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding and the Pathways to Global Citizenship Youth Summit.

In addition, she will oversee the Fulbright Lens Speaker Series, a dynamic platform for thought‑provoking discussions that bring together scholars, global leaders, and experts to explore critical issues shaping our world, and the reestablishment of the Fulbright Association Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring alumni whose sustained service exemplifies the Fulbright mission and values.

The Fulbright Association, founded in 1977, represents more than 140,000 U.S. alumni of the Fulbright Program. The organization plays a critical role in preserving and advancing the impact of international education through alumni programs, policy advocacy, and public outreach. Under Hettinger’s direction, the Association will continue to expand its visibility and influence as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

Hettinger holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from University College London and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. She also holds certificates in leadership and artificial intelligence from Cornell University and Vanderbilt University.

For more information about the Fulbright Association, visit www.fulbright.org.

Walter R. McCollum, PhD
President and Chair, Fulbright Association National Board of Directors
Fulbright Alumni – Amman, Jordan