Our Team

Joe has spent the majority of his career supporting international operations in both for-profit and nonprofit settings. In this time, Joe has led finance and HR teams, international tax reporting, audit liaison teams, accreditation renewals for educational institutions, the implementation of emergency management response plans, and the establishment of an overseas presence in numerous countries.

In addition to his GSS role, Joe serves as the Managing Director of the Harvard International Office and both the Vice President for Operations and the Clerk for Harvard Global Research and Support Services, Inc. He also holds various board appointments with Harvard Global and its overseas affiliates.

Joe is a longstanding fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for professional accountants. He serves as a Global Council member for ACCA and has been awarded the ACCA advocate of the year for Europe and the Americas.

Belynda is a seasoned administrative and operational professional with over a decade of expertise in program development, strategic leadership, financial management, and collaborative partnerships on the global stage.

In her dual capacity as Director of International Consulting & Operations for GSS and as Associate Director of our affiliated entity, Harvard Global, Belynda plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's strategic vision. Drawing on her extensive international and University experience, she oversees global operations, manages consulting services, and leads a 12-member team. Belynda is dedicated to fostering innovation to address intricate challenges for Harvard Global, and she meticulously manages the framework, business solutions, and infrastructure supporting Harvard-affiliated operations in numerous countries.

Belynda previously resided and worked abroad, and she served as the administrative lead of a large academic department at Harvard. Her past contributions include providing organizational development, financial counsel, auditing services, and capacity-building both at Harvard University and in the Eastern Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa. Belynda also actively collaborated on the establishment of an NGO in Ethiopia and served as Chief of Party for a USAID mission dedicated to supporting NGOs in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

With her collaborative spirit and extensive knowledge in the international arena, Belynda continues to drive impactful initiatives for GSS and Harvard Global.

Matt is an experienced law enforcement professional with more than thirty years of service in the federal government, where he was a member of the Senior Executive Service and specialized in national security, cross-border crime, and public safety. In GSS, Matt oversees the international safety and security program, which helps prepare Harvard students, faculty, staff, and researchers to pursue their activities abroad safely and provides resources and support when incidents occur. He leads the University’s International Emergency Management Team (IEMT), co-chairs the University's Global Travel Advisory Committee, and is a board member of the CJP Communal Security Advisory Committee in Boston.

Prior to joining Harvard, Matt was the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, where he managed law enforcement and support personnel in 11 offices across New England. In 2016 and 2017, the Secretary of Homeland Security designated Matt as the Federal Security Coordinator for the July 3rd and 4th Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

During his tenure in the federal government, Matt completed two international assignments over nine years in London and Rome. He served as the Attaché for HSI in London, providing investigative and programmatic oversight in support of HSI’s international mission in the U.K., Ireland, and Iceland. He was instrumental in forging bi-lateral initiatives involving national security, human trafficking, cyber crime, and financial fraud. In Rome, he held the position of Assistant Customs Attaché, where he served as the agency representative to Israel and was responsible for money laundering, customs fraud, and cyber-related investigations in Italy and the Middle East. Matt also served stints in Washington D.C. and Miami, where he led the counter terrorism program and conducted financial crime investigations, respectively.

Matt is a graduate of Northeastern University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Blaga is an international human resources professional with more than 15 years of experience in providing full life-cycle HR services in nonprofit settings.

As Associate Director of International HR and Administration, Blaga serves as a core member of GSS’ leadership team, supports the department’s strategic priorities, and oversees employment services for Harvard Global.

For Harvard Global, Blaga partners with clients to enable academic entrepreneurship while mitigating the risks inherent in international HR. She is responsible for developing and maintaining Harvard Global’s employment and total rewards strategy, global benefits, global mobility processes, employment policies and contracts, and local payroll management for internationally-based employees. Blaga develops and implements policies and strategies for regional HR administration to achieve employees’ satisfaction and operational success, partnering with the University’s HR offices on global hiring strategies and employee relations. She also contributes to several Harvard University committees and working groups to facilitate policy development and implementation, information sharing, and process improvements in support of Harvard’s international HR and operations.

For GSS, Blaga oversees department-wide administrative initiatives and activities and implementation and maintenance of business continuity protocols, organizational policies, and administrative processes. She also manages GSS' human resources and employee communication.

Prior to joining GSS, Blaga worked at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), where she provided human resources support to local and international employees in 30 countries around the world. She also managed talent acquisitions, internal recruitment processes, and key partnerships with external organizations.

Blaga holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a chemistry teacher certification from Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University in Bulgaria, and master of liberal arts in human resources management from Harvard University Extension School.

Matt is excited to be a part of the GSS team. An organized and detail-oriented self-starter, Matt has nearly 5 years’ experience in executive assisting work. In GSS, Matt provides administrative support for the leadership team and staff, manages office operations, and assists with special projects. He enjoys being the first line of customer service for our clients, inviting people in and helping them pursue their international travel, research, and programming endeavors.

Prior to joining GSS, Matt served as executive assistant for the president of the Boston Teachers Union, where he worked with numerous city, state, and national political entities and media outlets.

Matt earned a bachelor's degree in theatre arts, concentrating in music theatre performance, from Plymouth State University. Outside of work, Matt is a resident of an improv group in Roslindale, and he enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Katherine leads technology-driven solutions and business process improvements for GSS. She brings a high level of organization, project management, and steadfast commitment to customer service. In her role, she works with program and department administrators, faculty, and students to provide guidance and resources, research options to resolve inquiries, communicate with GSS vendors on particular cases, and connect them with other Harvard departments. Specifically, Katherine is responsible for the GSS customer relationship management database (Salesforce) and the International SOS MyTrips platform, providing traveler and case reports to GSS partners and managing the vendor relationships on behalf of GSS. She also coordinates the PEO (Professional Employment Organization) hiring process for employees abroad and processes inter-departmental journals to ensure accurate and timely payment of those employees’ salaries. In support of travelers, Katherine reviews applications for travel to Cuba under the general license and coordinates with various Harvard offices to issue license letters for travelers.

Previously, Katherine worked with business owners and point-of-sale software developers in the credit card processing industry, where she calculated developer profit payments, maintained merchant accounts, solved escalated customer service issues, and facilitated communications between developers and merchants.

Katherine is fluent in Spanish.

As a trusted communications professional, Liz has more than 15 years' experience in brand management, web strategy, writing and content marketing, project management, and organizational development.

In GSS, Liz helps to develop and execute the department’s communication strategies, brand guidelines, strategic priorities, and campaigns that support GSS' business objectives, elevate GSS’ profile among the Harvard community, and educate Harvard affiliates on a range of global topics. Liz also manages the globalsupport.harvard.edu and harvardglobal.org websites. Through a dual-appointment with Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, Liz helps to advance University-wide initiatives, especially as they relate to international travel and activities.

Previously, Liz worked in the Office of Communications & Marketing for Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education, where she conducted research that drove financial, marketing, and programmatic changes, established the Division's social media strategy, managed its advertising budget and annual information sessions, and contributed content for its web properties.

Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Providence College and a master's degree in international higher education and intercultural relations from Lesley University. Outside of work, Liz enjoys traveling, baking, sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Adnan is an accounting and finance enthusiast with extensive experience in several domains.

As an accountant in GSS, Adnan supports Harvard Global’s daily financial operations across multiple funding sources and currencies, oversees financial transactions such as internal billings, grants, and journals, maintains robust vendor relationships, and serves as the primary front-line financial contact for Harvard Global US and its international entities.

Previously, Adnan worked at Ernst & Young (EY) in Bangladesh in the Department of Financial Accounting and Advisory Services and served numerous multinational clients. Additionally, he worked as an accelerated tax associate at H&R Block in the USA, specializing in tax preparation.

Adnan is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the largest global body for professional accountants, and holds a bachelor’s degree (Hons) in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University in the UK.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Adnan is dedicated to personal growth and community service. He actively engages in volunteering for non-profit organizations and enjoys exploring new cultures through community events.

As the Associate Director of International Consulting and Projects, Krister leads GSS’ international consulting practice, which partners with Harvard Schools, departments, and centers to enable academic entrepreneurship while mitigating the risks inherent in international operations. He supports GSS’ strategic priorities and the International Consulting and Operations team’s service delivery, outreach, and resource development initiatives.

Krister serves as a senior consultant for several Harvard Schools, working with Harvard faculty, staff, researchers, and students in a variety of capacities to facilitate international research and educational programs. Since joining GSS in 2016, he has consulted on nearly 2,000 employment, visa, finance, and other cases in more than 80 countries where Harvard has activities. He works closely with Harvard offices and staff in India, Tunisia, and South Africa, coordinating their in-country needs with Harvard and governmental requirements. Krister has more than a decade of international experience working with large, mission-driven organizations to advance goals across borders and cultures in government, medicine, and education.

Previously, Krister worked with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, where he helped manage a multi-million dollar joint venture with Saudi Aramco to oversee and improve its health care system. He was also a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department, serving as an Economic Officer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and as a Consular Officer in Mexico City, Mexico.

Krister holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Harvard College, where he focused his studies on the Middle East and was a member of the Harvard International Relations Council and the student chair of the Harvard Youth Poll at the Institute of Politics. Krister also holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, where he was a Huffington Junior Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.

Kate is an experienced accounting professional with more than a decade of work in finance and accounting across a variety of industries. In GSS, she oversees the accounting and financial aspects of Harvard Global US and its international subsidiaries. Kate is responsible for all in-country financial compliance and audits.

Before joining GSS in 2013, Kate was a financial associate in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences' Education Innovation Laboratory.

Kate holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics and a master of business administration from the University of Nairobi. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ben is an experienced accountant with a background in nonprofit organizations and higher education. He has vast experience in the accounting cycle, including monthly closes, audit preparation, budgeting, and monthly and annual reporting.

For GSS, Ben supports the stewardship and efficient management of Harvard Global's finances and operations, managing expense tracking systems, ensuring accuracy of data, and performing complex financial analysis to support financial planning and monthly reporting requirements.

Previously, Ben served as finance director for a small private college and as a lead accountant for various nonprofits around the United States.

Ben holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Bridgewater State University. He's also a Certified Management Account (CMA) and serves as a board member on the Boston Chapter. Outside of work, he enjoys walking, swimming, snowboarding, weekend trips, and watching sports with family and friends.

Kaelan has more than 12 years of experience in higher education with a focus on internationalization. In GSS, Kaelan partners closely with University clients to facilitate and maintain a variety of activities overseas, including employment, gift and grant management, short- and long-term research projects and managing operations at Harvard Global entities in India and Israel. She brings a comprehensive understanding of global regulatory affairs, site assessment, and strategic operations to GSS. In her work, Kaelan aims to complement and enhance institutional best practices, achieve efficiencies, mitigate risks, and enable and contribute to the success of Harvard’s global initiatives.

Before joining GSS, Kaelan spent six years as the Director of Global Regulatory Affairs and Planning at Northeastern University, where she developed the institution's global regulatory affairs strategy and new site assessment and implementation guidelines. In her role, she managed internal and external relationships to promote regulatory compliance and successful launches of campus operations across diverse jurisdictions. This included obtaining and maintaining university consent and degree-granting authority in five North American markets. Prior to Northeastern, Kaelan was a Director of Admissions at Hult International Business School.

Kaelan holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from The George Washington University, as well as a graduate certificate in higher education administration and a master's degree in global studies and international relations with a concentration in global student mobility from Northeastern University.

Roger is a dedicated financial associate with extensive experience in public and private sectors.

For Harvard Global, Roger oversees accounts payable, vendor setup, and invoicing, and supports monthly payroll processing and service contract billings. He works closely with the finance team and leadership on budget reporting and assists with audits.

Before joining GSS, Roger worked in both the public and private sectors in management, customer service, media, customs and excise, logistics, and warehouse management and safety. In Trinidad and Tobago, he worked for Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited (PLIPDECO), Process Plant Services Limited, and the Caribbean Communications Network.

Roger holds a bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a graduate certificate in natural resource management and sustainable ecosystems from Harvard University Extension School. Outside of work, Roger enjoys swimming, basketball, visiting museums, landscaping, organic gardening, and spending time with his family. He previously served as a volunteer citizen scientist with the Charles River Watershed Authority and was a Gallery Guide for Harvard Museum of Natural History and Science.

Annie is an accounting and finance professional with deep experience in several areas of accounting. In GSS, Annie develops and oversees the execution of financial strategies and budgets for Harvard Global's US and international entities. She also manages the day-to-day work of the finance team, oversees Harvard Global's multi-currency general ledger and consolidation, prepares local entities’ financial reports, and supports local entities’ audits and compliance.

Before joining Harvard Global, Annie provided clients and companies with payroll services, tax services, and procedures to improve their financial reporting and internal controls.

Annie holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Salem State University, as well as certificate in finance and a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in global studies from Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of work, Annie enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Cody is an experienced accountant with a lifelong interest in financial systems and the flow of money.

As a senior accountant, Cody provides accounting and internal control support for Harvard Global US and its international entities. Working across multiple funding sources, he prepares and reviews financial documents and ensures compliance with University policies and applicable US and in-country regulations.

Previously, Cody was a staff accountant at School of Rock, where he was responsible for month end closes involving bank account reconciliations, general ledger journaling, vendor management, and accounts payable and accounts receivable processing.

Cody earned a bachelor's degree in finance with a concentration in corporate finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Outside of work, Cody enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, watching sports, traveling, and finding the best lobster roll in New England.

As a senior international program and operations consultant, Lia is the primary contact in GSS for international activities for the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), Harvard Divinity School (HDS), Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), Harvard Law School (HLS), and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, where she works with faculty and staff to facilitate international research and educational programs. Additionally, Lia manages the U.K. entity operations administered via Harvard Global, our affiliated nonprofit legal entity. She is also responsible for managing the HR processes for Harvard Global's operations in India.

Prior to joining GSS, Lia managed an international program at Harvard Kennedy School. She also has experience in business consulting and investment banking. Lia holds a master's degree in engineering science from the University of New South Wales and a master's degree in liberal arts with a concentration in management from Harvard University Extension School.

As International Project Administrator, Sydney drives compliance efforts for 11 international Harvard Global entities in eight countries. Sydney is responsible for keeping the entities running by liaising with local counsel, convening various Boards of Directors, and completing regulatory filings. In addition, Sydney supports Harvard Global payroll and hiring across the globe.

Previously, Sydney worked as Client and Compliance Associate on GSS’ International Consulting & Operations team and Security Assistant on our International Safety & Security team. While living in Cairo, Sydney worked as Assistant Editor for the Cairo Review of Global Affairs and continues to work freelance as a Contributing Editor. She has bylines in the journal as well as for the BRICS Post, News@Northeastern, the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research, and the Boston Consortium for Arab Region Studies, where she worked as Research Associate.

Sydney holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs from Northeastern University, with a minor in Arabic and a concentration in security studies. Sydney is pursuing a Master of Liberal Arts degree, with a concentration in international relations, at Harvard University Extension School. In her free time, she enjoys practicing and teaching yoga.

An experienced security professional, Tim monitors global events and their effect or potential effect on Harvard's international activities and travelers. His vast network of international security professionals enables him to gather, analyze, and inform key University responders and travelers to mitigate potential risks and to respond quickly when critical situations arise. In addition to being a core member of the University’s International Emergency Management Team (IEMT), Tim provides pre-travel trainings and security assessments, liaises with security consultants, and maintains the International SOS MyTrips and TravelTracker platforms to ensure data accuracy and reliability.

Tim's more than 25-year experience as a security professional includes executive protection, corporate investigations, physical security, and event security management. Prior to joining Harvard, Tim managed the travel security requirements for State Street Corporation. He traveled extensively throughout South America to conduct security assessments and evaluate the threat level imposed to business travelers. In doing so, Tim developed an understanding of the needs of the travelers and learned the business and social culture of the countries visited. As a travel security manager, Tim developed a training program for professional and personal travelers that was replicated by several corporations throughout New England as a resource for other business travelers.

Tim has also traveled throughout South and Southeast Asia as a tourist and a security professional. He studied electrical engineering in the U.S. Navy while stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and deployed twice to the Middle East.

Maureen has established a range of health, safety, and security programming for faculty, staff, students, and campus partners across her nearly 10-year career in higher education international risk management.

For GSS, Maureen develops, leads, and manages safety and security programs to support Harvard’s international engagements. She’s responsible for traveler education, high- and elevated-risk travel consultations, identity-based risk support, and resource and training development. As a core member of the University’s International Emergency Management Team (IEMT), Maureen uses her crisis management training and experience to support the IEMT’s response to international incidents.

Additionally, Maureen is actively involved in the US State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and Pulse International. Before joining Harvard, she held positions in global health and safety at Michigan State University and Tufts University.

Maureen holds a bachelor's degree in political science and international development from McGill University and a master's degree in international security from the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies. She is also proficient in French.

As Assistant Security Specialist, Ada supports the intelligence operations, risk management services, and outreach initiatives for the International Safety & Security team. She conducts research and analysis of international trends and fluctuations in global stability and assists in writing monthly global situation reports to inform international programming. Additionally, Ada helps track Harvard activities abroad through the International SOS travel system and supports the team with high- and elevated-risk orientations and consultations for Harvard travelers. 

Before joining GSS, Ada worked at local hospitals in Seattle while pursuing her medical assistant license, which uniquely shaped her passion for crisis management, emergency response strategy, and human security. After studying abroad at Northeastern University London, Ada also became a Student Alumni Ambassador for her university’s global programs, where she now helps develop international strategies and mentorship opportunities. 

Ada is a rising third-year student at Northeastern University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs with a regional concentration in the Middle East. Currently, she is the Director of Sustainability for Northeastern’s Student Government Association, a research assistant at her university’s Center for Crime, Race, and Justice, and works at the gym. In her free time, Ada enjoys eating bagels and cuddling with her dogs.

As an analyst with seven years of experience in the field, Jen collaborates with colleagues, clients, and University partners to support international travel. She advises on risk mitigation strategies for University affiliates traveling to 160+ locations annually and conducts global risk assessments to inform staff, students, and faculty traveling overseas.

Before joining Harvard, Jen worked in the public and private sectors, providing open-source analysis, assessments, and briefings to leadership and clients and supporting international travelers.

Jen earned a bachelor's degree from Saint Anselm College and a master's degree from Northeastern University.