Ahmad Refky Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, AZ, US

• Responsible for the development and operations of Verto programs across six global locations. Drove expansion while ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with local laws. Lead program development, student.
• Lead the development of new programs, including research of new locations and recommendation to the Board of Directors for launch of new entities abroad.
• Established six Verto Education entities in Argentina, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, and UK in less than two years to ensure programs accommodated 65% growth in enrollment YOY.
• Vetted and contracted legal, payroll and accounting providers, opening bank accounts, and hiring staff.
• Identified real estate to serve as Verto study centers, negotiated leases in conjunction with local consultants and legal counsel, and supervised the set up and renovations process.
• Lead the development of operating budgets and cash flow forecasts for all Verto entities in collaboration with Verto’s CFO, including developing a funding policy and cadence for bank accounts abroad.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

• Led global operations for 24 programs across 12 countries, managing a $20+ million annual budget and 80 staff members. Directed strategic planning, program expansion, and crisis management efforts, including the.
• Managed a globally distributed team of 80 employees with 8 direct reports in Argentina, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Spain; and US based Director of Student Affairs, and two Managers of International Operations.
• Restructured international team reporting to establish regional director roles, enhanced operational efficiency, increased budgetary oversight of smaller locations, and ensured compliance with local regulations and laws.
• Oversaw the operations of international entities, including budgets, people operations, and legal compliance.
• Directed the implementation of all staffing plans, furloughs, and RIFs of international staff, resulting in a reduction of international payroll by 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Drove a 47% cost savings through successful renegotiation of housing contracts during the pandemic.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

• Developed customized and faculty-led programs in collaboration with U.S. university partners. Managed program development from budgeting to execution, increasing department revenue and expanding offerings globally.
• Increased revenue from $3.5M to $9M over 3 years through strategic partnerships and innovative program design.
• Created the sales strategy for the University Relations team and the revamped all marketing assets.
• Streamlined the budgeting and proposal tools, established target revenue and sales goals annually, and collaborated with University Relations leadership on sales strategy and milestones.
• Modeled best practices in promoting custom and faculty-led program to the University Relations team, and accompanied the team to universities to present and promote program offerings and services.
• Overhauled print and online marketing collateral to increase visibility and reach of CEA custom programs.

Chicago, Illinois

• Oversaw the program and budget development for all faculty-led study abroad programs universities in 17 states. Traveled to meet with study abroad offices and faculty to discuss IES program services. Developed and.
• Increased regional sales revenue from $800K to $2.1 Million from 2010 to 2015, and developed the first custom program in Auckland, New Zealand, that generated $275K in annual revenue.
• Negotiated program budgets and contracts in coordination with IES staff in the U.S. and abroad.
• Represented IES during school visits, presentations to study abroad staff and faculty, and at national and regional industry conferences.
• Coordinated with the Crisis Management Team, schools, families, and IES staff during international incidents.
• Briefed IES executives on programmatic, budgetary, and student services matters on an ongoing basis.

Chicago, Illinois

Managed training and development for staff supporting international high school exchange programs. Oversaw placement and supervision of international students in U.S. host families.

Evanston, Illinois

Coordinated international exchange programs, facilitating cultural exchange between professionals from North America, the Middle East, and Russia.

Bachelor Of Arts, Political Science-International Relations

Bachelor of Arts in political science, focusing on international relations; with a minor in cultural anthropology.

International Studies