#USA #Washington #Leadership #IREX #Aleksander Dardeli

IREX Welcomes Aleksander Dardeli as New President and CEO

On September 2, 2025, the Board of Trustees of IREX has officially announced the appointment of Aleksander (Alex) Dardeli as the organization's new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. With an impressive background and vision for the organization’s future, Dardeli's leadership promises innovative direction in the rapidly changing landscape of international development.

Dardeli originally joined IREX as the Executive Vice President, where he significantly contributed to the expansion of the organization's global footprint, driving innovation and strengthening governance structures. Additionally, his pivotal involvement in the acquisition of Development Gateway exemplified his dedication to mission-oriented initiatives. Most recently, Dardeli served as the Chief Operating Officer at Save the Children, where he led pivotal strategies in planning, transformation initiatives, and organizational effectiveness.

A Vision for the Future
The chairman of the board, David A. Gross, expressed great enthusiasm about Dardeli's return to the IREX team. “We are thrilled to welcome Alex back to IREX. His experience and insights are well-suited for guiding the organization through this evolving landscape. Alex knows how to build robust partnerships and navigate complexities, and we have every confidence in his ability to steer IREX forward,” Gross stated.

Kate Thompson, the interim CEO, added, “Alex’s return injects fresh energy into the organization, which boasts strong programs and a resilient team of exceptionally talented professionals. We look forward to new achievements under his leadership.”

Dardeli brings over 25 years of experience in the field of international development. He has held leadership roles at IBI International, DynCorp International/Casals, the East-West Management Institute, and the International Development Law Organization. His work has focused on education, leadership, and strengthening both the private sector and governmental institutions in the United States and developing economies. Notably, he led a large initiative in Kosovo aimed at preparing governmental institutions for independence.

An Accomplished Background
A former Fulbright scholar, Dardeli graduated with honors from Tirana University. He holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America.

Highlighting the transformative legacy of IREX, Dardeli stated, “IREX has a rich history of transforming educational systems, bringing people together to solve problems, and supporting leaders across various sectors. I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, Board of Directors, and supporters worldwide to expand opportunities, craft innovative solutions, and ultimately achieve lasting results for America and the communities we serve.”

About IREX
IREX is a global nonprofit organization that collaborates with communities and institutions in the United States and worldwide. Its mission focuses on developing leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and expanding access to quality education and information, ensuring measurable and cost-effective results. For more information, please visit www.irex.org.