The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) has welcomed three new members to its Board of Regents and Board of Trustees in 2026. Jean Schindler ’06, Kenneth Klatt ’70, Malcolm Tuesley and Karen Czarnecki ’88 bring extensive experience across business, law, communications and public policy and will help advance TFAS’s mission to develop courageous leaders. Learn more about the newest members of the TFAS governing boards and why they are committed to advancing TFAS’s mission.
Jean Schindler
A longtime supporter of TFAS, Jean Schindler ’06 first participated in the TFAS Asia program in Hong Kong as a student in 2006. Since then, she has remained actively involved with TFAS, serving as a mentor and guest speaker for students through programs and events including the annual Alumni Roundtable.
Schindler currently serves as chief of staff and director of strategic communications at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). With more than a decade of leadership experience in international democracy and governance organizations, she brings deep expertise in strategic communications, institutional leadership and global civic engagement, making her a strong addition to the TFAS Board of Regents.
Read more about Schindler here.
Kenneth Klatt
For more than five decades, Kenneth Klatt ’70 has supported TFAS since he participated in the Public Policy + Economics program as a student in 1970. He has remained actively involved over the years as a founding member of the TFAS Alumni Council, received the 2018 TFAS Kevin Burket Alumni Service Award, and regularly attends TFAS Annual Conferences and events.
Klatt is currently an attorney with Sapronov & Associates, P.C. and previously served as assistant general counsel at Delta Air Lines. He has extensive experience in commercial transactions, including media and entertainment licensing and high-stakes contract negotiation across aviation, technology and telecommunications, reflecting strong leadership and a principled approach to his work.
Read more about Klatt here.
Malcolm Tuesley
Malcolm (Mick) Tuesley has been a dedicated supporter of TFAS for several years and served on the TFAS Board of Regents from 2023 until his appointment to the Board of Trustees this spring. He has also given back to TFAS as a volunteer, serving as a mentor to law students in the TFAS Summer Law Fellowship, further demonstrating his commitment to developing the next generation.
As a partner and head of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s national security regulatory practice, he brings extensive leadership experience advising clients on complex legal and regulatory matters involving national security and global transactions. Tuesley exemplifies the ideals of courageous leadership TFAS develops in its students: professionals prepared to lead with principle and purpose.
Read more about Tuesley here.
Karen Czarnecki
TFAS is excited to announce Karen Czarnecki ’88 as the new chair of the Board of Regents. A dedicated member of the board since 2018, Czarnecki has played an active role in advancing the TFAS mission and supporting its students and programs. TFAS is pleased to see her step into this role, as her experience and long-standing commitment to TFAS make her a strong fit for the position. As chair, she will help guide the board’s efforts to strengthen TFAS programs, expand opportunities for students and advance TFAS’s mission.
Professor Czarnecki teaches the Public Policy and International Affairs Internships Seminar for TFAS Academic Internship Programs in Washington, D.C. She also serves as executive director at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, where her work focuses on public policy, education and leadership.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of TFAS, comprised of leaders dedicated to advancing the TFAS mission through their time, talents and financial support. The Board of Regents supports the mission, policies, programs and development efforts of the Board of Trustees.
Learn more about the Board of Trustees and Regents at TFAS.org/trustees and TFAS.org/regents.