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Board of Directors

EFI’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and robust governance for the organization. Comprising of experienced professionals in education, economics, communications and international development, the Board plays a vital role in guiding EFI’s direction. Their collective expertise ensures the organization remains focused on its mission while consistently delivering work of the highest quality.
EFI logo in purple, the letters E, F and I on a white background

Joe DiFiglia

Chair of the Board

Joe DiFiglia is Vice President of izzit.org. After 25 years as an equity trader and founder of DiFiglia Capital Management, he advanced K–12 economic education, founding the New Jersey Council for Economic Education. Lehigh BS, NYU MA.

Cynthia Bader

Cynthia Bader is an educator, curriculum designer, and civic education advocate with more than 30 years of experience in K–12 education. She has developed curriculum and professional development programs for the Bill of Rights Institute and currently serves on several boards and advisory councils focused on civic learning and educational opportunity, including izzit.org and the Jack Miller Center’s National Civics Council.

Carrie Conko

Carrie Conko is Chief Executive Officer of Iron Light, a strategic communications and advocacy firm serving mission-driven organizations. She previously held senior roles at State Policy Network and the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and served as an adjunct professor at George Mason University School of Law. Carrie brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, public policy and communications that will support EFI’s efforts to expand its reach and advance economic understanding and individual freedom.

Renita Esayian

Renita Esayian is a retired senior financial writer and editor, former Vice President of Investor Relations and former Treasurer. She brings deep expertise in financial communications, treasury, research and governance, informed by regional insight from Armenia.

 

Alexander C. R. Hammond

Alexander C. R. Hammond is deputy editor of HumanProgress.org and a policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity. His research focuses on human freedom, economic development, global well-being, and the history of innovation. Alexander previously served as a program manager at the Rising Tide Foundation and held positions with the Institute of Economic Affairs in London.

 

Ilir Hysa

Ilir Hysa is a former teacher, and now a macroeconomist and macroeconomic forecaster, and a Director at Moody’s. He specialises in global economic analysis, risk assessment and policy-relevant research, supporting evidence-based decisions and board oversight.

 

Stephanie Lips

Stephanie Lips is Senior Director for Engagement and a philanthropic advisor at DonorsTrust, specializing in philanthropic strategy, legacy planning, and long-term stewardship. Previously, she led Atlas Network’s international events and development efforts. Stephanie also serves on the boards of Free To Choose Network, izzit.org, DemoLab, and Ladies of Liberty Alliance.

 

Kathleen Mone

Kathleen Mone holds a Master’s in Public Affairs from Columbia University and has 40+ years’ experience in public education, including senior budget and finance roles at NYC DOE, charter schools, and CUNY.

 

Wayne Olson

Wayne Olson is the Board Chairman of the Foundation for Economic Education, a former executive director of that organization, and the Board Chairman of the Students for Liberty. He also serves on the Free To Choose Network Board and the Atlas Network Advisory Council. Before entering nonprofit leadership, Wayne spent 26 years in structured finance and investment banking, primarily with Credit Suisse, having previously completed four years of graduate study in finance and economics at UCLA.