#USA #Washington #Leadership #IREX #Aleksander Dardeli

IREX Welcomes Aleksander Dardeli as Its New President and CEO

On September 1, 2025, Aleksander Dardeli officially stepped into his role as the President and CEO of IREX, signaling a promising new chapter for the organization. Dardeli, who returns to IREX after previously serving as Executive Vice President, brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision tailored to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. His past tenure at IREX was marked by substantial growth as he was pivotal in expanding the organization’s global presence and reinforcing its management systems. Furthermore, he was responsible for overseeing the strategic acquisition of Development Gateway, enhancing the organization's mission.

Before rejoining IREX, Dardeli served as Chief Operating Officer at Save the Children, where he implemented transformative initiatives and optimized organizational performance. His return to IREX has been met with enthusiasm. David A. Gross, the Chairman of the Board, expressed profound confidence in Dardeli's ability to navigate the complexities of the organization's future and emphasized his knack for building strong partnerships.

"We are thrilled to welcome Aleks back to IREX," said Gross. "His innovative approach and leadership qualities make him uniquely qualified to guide our organization during these unpredictable times. He truly understands how to manage complexity and foster valuable alliances."

Kate Thompson, the Interim CEO, echoed these sentiments, noting that Dardeli's fresh set of eyes and invigorating energy would be invaluable to the organization, which already boasts a robust program set and a talented team.

With his over 25 years of experience in international development, Dardeli has held senior positions across various reputable organizations, including IBI International and DynCorp International/Casals. His expertise spans critical areas such as education reform, leadership development, and the strengthening of public/private institutions across the U.S., emerging economies, and post-conflict environments. Notably, Dardeli led a significant initiative in Kosovo that prepared government institutions for independence.

Dardeli, a Fulbright Scholar, graduated with honors from the University of Tirana and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University, as well as a law degree from The Catholic University of America. In his words, he stated, “IREX has a rich legacy of transforming educational systems, enabling collaboration among diverse groups to solve pressing problems, and supporting leaders across various sectors. I eagerly look forward to working with our staff, Board of Directors, and global partners to broaden opportunities, design innovative solutions, and achieve sustainable results for the U.S. and the communities we serve.”

About IREX

Founded with a mission to foster leadership, empower youth, strengthen institutions, and increase access to quality education and information, IREX collaborates with communities and organizations both in the United States and globally. Their commitment to creating measurable and sustainable outcomes makes them a pivotal player in international development. For more about their work and initiatives, visit www.irex.org.