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 serving as Managing Director of GSS, Joe serves as 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. For ACCA, he serves as a Global Council member and Chair of the Remuneration Committee and was awarded the ACCA advocate of the year for Europe and the Americas.

Belynda is a global organizational and strategy leader with extensive experience in program development, strategic planning, financial management, and cross-sector partnerships in international settings.

In her dual capacity as Director of International Consulting & Operations for GSS and as Associate Director of our affiliated entity, Harvard Global, she helps shape the organizations’ strategies and oversees global operations and consulting services. She leads a cross-functional team that supports Harvard-affiliated activities in multiple countries, designing and managing the frameworks, business solutions, and infrastructure that enable faculty, staff, and researchers to pursue complex projects abroad.

Previously, Belynda served as the senior administrative and operations lead for a large academic department at Harvard. Her past work includes organizational design and development, financial advising, auditing, and capacity-building in the Eastern Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa. She has worked with organizations such as the World Bank and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), as well as with programs supported by the Global Fund. She also collaborated on the establishment of an NGO in Ethiopia and served as Chief of Party for a USAID mission supporting NGOs in the response to HIV/AIDS.

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, Adnan supports 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 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 a seasoned accounting professional with more than a decade of experience in finance and accounting across multiple industries. In GSS, she oversees the accounting and financial operations of Harvard Global US and its international subsidiaries. In this capacity, she is responsible for ensuring in-country financial compliance, managing statutory and regulatory audits, and supporting robust financial governance across the organization.

Before joining Harvard Global in 2013, Kate served as 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. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with her family and is actively engaged in Christian ministry, passionately preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ben is an experienced accounting professional with deep expertise in nonprofit and higher education finance. He has extensive experience across the full accounting cycle, including monthly close, audit preparation, budgeting, and monthly and annual reporting.

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

Previously, Ben served as Finance Director for a small private college and as a lead accountant for several nonprofits across the United States.

Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bridgewater State University and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), serving as the Treasurer on the board of the Boston Chapter. Outside of work, he enjoys walking, swimming, snowboarding, and watching Boston sports.

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 financial associate who brings broad experience from both the public and private sectors, along with international experience in the Caribbean.

Roger manages Harvard Global's accounts payable, vendor onboarding, and invoicing, and supports monthly payroll processing and service contract billing. He works closely with the finance team and leadership on GSS' budget reporting and assists with audits for Harvard Global and its international entities.

Before joining GSS, Roger built a diverse career in management, customer service, media, customs and excise, logistics, and warehouse operations and safety, working in both the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

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, playing basketball, visiting museums, landscaping, organic gardening, and spending time with his family. He has also volunteered as a citizen scientist with the Charles River Watershed Association and as a Gallery Guide at the 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 oversees financial strategy execution, budgeting, and operational finance across Harvard Global's US and international entities. She leads and mentors the finance team, directing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and process improvements while ensuring accurate and timely financial information. Annie also manages the organization’s multi-currency general ledger and oversees accounting and finance for all HG entities, including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Ireland, Israel, South Africa, and Tunisia. Her responsibilities include supervising monthly, quarterly, and annual closes, reviewing financial statements and management reports, and ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and accounting standards across multiple jurisdictions.

Annie works closely with leadership to provide financial analysis that supports strategic decision-making and oversees the preparation of management financial reports. She also partners with country-specific advisors and external auditors to prepare statutory financial statements, support audits, and maintain compliance with local tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Previously, Annie worked in a healthcare company as a payroll manager and tax accountant.

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 travelling and spending time with family and friends.

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

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

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.

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.

As Assistant Security Specialist, Mya supports the International Safety & Security Team in their intelligence operations, risk management services, and outreach initiatives. She monitors emerging global trends and incidents and contributes to monthly situation reports to inform University-wide international programming and travel. Additionally, she tracks Harvard activities abroad through the International SOS registry and provides travelers with pre-departure support through orientations and consultations.

Prior to joining GSS, Mya was a member of TREEage, a student organization working to promote climate and social justice-based legislation. Through this, she participated in local political campaigns, developing her interest in strategic communication across diverse audiences. Her experience studying abroad at Northeastern’s London campus further shaped her passion for supporting international travel and safety.

Mya is a rising third-year student at Northeastern University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs with a minor in French. She’s a member of the International Relations Council and a position holder in the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority. In her free time, Mya loves trying new restaurants and is hoping to discover the best matcha in Boston.

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 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.