Fulbright Association names Executive Director
The Fulbright Association, the association for alumni of the Fulbright Program, announces the appointment of Tammy Hettinger as its new 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.
Following an extensive national search led by Good Insight, Hettinger’s placement concludes an extensive six-month process that resulted in a highly caliber pool of over 500 applicants. She began her new role on July 30, 2025.
About Tammy Hettinger
With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and international education, Hettinger brings a strong background in strategic partnerships, fundraising, and organizational growth. She most recently served as Senior Director Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development at NAFSA: Association of International Educators and was past Executive Director of CARE: Credit Abuse Resistance Education. She previously held leadership roles at TechnoServe and Humentum. 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. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband, two young kids, and the family cat.
About Fulbright Association
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. Learn more at fulbright.org.