Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
October 1, 2026 – Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,” said organization said. “We look forward to working with Chad Leahy. He is excited about the job and eager to play a role in shaping the future of an institution he loves. He looks forward to meeting members of the International Institute community soon.”
Dr. Leahy currently serves as chair of the Department of Spanish Language, Literary & Cultural Studies at the University of Denver (DU), a role he has held since 2022. In this position, he provided strategic and operational leadership, including oversight of the department’s budget, alumni and donor relations, curricular development, event planning, and partnerships.
Previously, Dr. Leahy served as director of DU’s College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences First-Generation Student Program and as head of the Spanish Section. He has taught Spanish- and English-language courses in both the United States and Spain for more than two decades and has published and presented widely on Spanish literary and cultural studies. Dr. Leahy is also an alumnus of the Institute.
As director, Dr. Leahy will oversee the Institute’s day-to-day operations, strategic planning, fundraising, communications, and partnerships, and will advocate for the organization’s mission as it works to scale its impact and deepen its global presence.
Founded in 1892 as the International Institute for Girls in Spain, the International Institute is the oldest U.S. entity operating in Spain. Today, the Institute facilitates cultural and educational exchange between Spain and the United States, offering American English language and culture courses to the Spanish public, a library, and cultural programming. It also houses study-abroad programs for U.S. universities
Serving a broad range of clients, Pyramind has conducted search assignments for multinational corporations, start-ups and emerging businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, trade associations and professional societies. The firm specializes in working with presidents, CEOs, senior-level executives and CHROs who view talent acquisition as strategically aligned with their long-term goals. Pyramind was established in 2001.
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With over 30 years of pioneering experience in talent acquisition, Hope Johnson is founder and CEO of Pyramind. She brings characteristic vigor and expertise to solving complex leadership challenges.
Recent Search
Pyramind recently placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeded interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong track record of leading complex organizations, modernizing operations, and building the partnerships needed to turn strategy into results,” said Chris Rieley, chairman of the board of directors for The SkillSource Group. “He combines disciplined executive leadership with a genuine commitment to mission and community. The board is confident that he will build on SkillSource’s strong foundation and guide the organization successfully into its next chapter.”
“Cliff understands both the promise and the complexity of our regional workforce system,” said Rob Bartolotta, chairman of the Virginia Career Works – Northern board of directors. “As employers navigate workforce shortages and technological change, his experience and collaborative approach will strengthen our ability to respond to employer needs, expand career pathways, and deliver meaningful results for job seekers across the region.”
A respected non-profit executive and community leader, Mr. Yee brings more than two decades of experience guiding complex, mission-driven organizations through periods of change, growth, and innovation. He previously served on the Northern Virginia Workforce Development Board, helping advance workforce strategies and regional partnerships, and has held civic and community leadership roles focused on economic mobility, volunteerism, and improving outcomes for individuals and families. Most recently, Mr. Yee served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Northern Virginia Family Services, where he oversaw finance, technology, workplace solutions, risk management, and strategic operations.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
