Lara Iglitzin, Executive Director
Lara Iglitzin has been the executive director of the Foundation since 1995. Arriving at the Foundation in 1992 as a program officer, she developed the Foundation's Russian human rights program in Russia. Lara did her undergraduate work at the University of Washington in Russian and East European studies, and received a master's degrees in Russian history and Russian studies, from the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University respectively. She specialized in U.S.-Soviet relations and early 20th century political history. Her master's thesis was dedicated to the impact of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment on Soviet foreign policy. Prior to her work at the Foundation, Lara managed the Congressional Roundtable on U.S.-Soviet Relations in Washington, D.C. Active in the national grantmaking community, she helped to establish the group Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement and served as board president for three years. She was also integral to the creation of the International Human Rights Funders Group. Lara has published many articles in national and regional publications on Russian politics and human rights as well as issues in philanthropy. She is active in the Northwest philanthropic community, serving as a long-time trainer for Philanthropy Northwest in its Best Practices in Grantmaking workshops.

 

Jelena Jurkovic, Finance Officer
Jelena joined the Foundation in 1999. She is responsible for the Foundation's budgeting processes, and fiscal management and analyses. She plays an active role in the Foundation's Strategic Initiatives coordinating and managing special events. Originally from Croatia, Jelena has a master's degree in economics from the University of Zagreb. Her prior work experience is in the financial and budgeting fields.