Beth Wales
Executive Director
Beth Wales is the new Executive Director.
Wales will lead the International Center of the Capital Region into its next chapter by advancing strategic goals and reinforcing its role as a hub for global connections. She will develop a comprehensive strategic plan with the Board of Directors to build partnerships that cultivate professional, cultural, and global thought leadership. Key goals include creating a pathway for long-term financial sustainability, strengthening their partner network, and expanding the number of international professional visitors to the region to foster new global partnerships. She also aims to explore hybrid opportunities for adult programs to increase community engagement, establish a Model UN Planning Council to build on the success of the 2024 Model UN program and launch a Global Career Day to inspire the next generation of global leaders.
A seasoned communications professional with over four decades of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise in strategic management, marketing, and public relations. Her leadership marks a new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission to foster global understanding and connection within the Capital Region.
Holly Planells McKenna
Program Manager
Holly Planells McKenna, who joined ICCR in February 2022, has decided to become program manager after serving as the center’s executive director and director of community engagement.
In her new role, she will work exclusively on youth programs (internships and the new Capital Region Model UN Conference) and coordinate visits for international emerging leaders. The visits are through the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the Congressional Office of International Leadership (Open World), and the Rumsfeld Foundation.
Holly’s interest in global affairs began as a child when she was told family stories of immigration from Cuba, Spain’s Basque Region, and Ireland. Her career is shaped by journalism, having been an upstate correspondent for Reuters for more than 20 years and teaching journalism at the University of Albany for the past 16 years. Holly served on the board of the Albany Public Library and the Friends and Foundation of APL. She has authored a book about her oldest son being raised in the country of Jordan without her after her ex-husband took their son to the country as a young child, violating a U.S. custody court order. Her next book discusses her family’s heritage and their move to America. Holly is originally from Long Island and resides in Albany with her husband, Chris, with whom she has four adult children.
Barbara Weiler
Programming Assistant
Barbara joined the International Center as a volunteer after attending an informational virtual open house in March 2022. She was a home host for two Open World visitors from Moldova in May of 2022, and after that, she was hooked. That same year, she home-hosted visitors from Poland and Ukraine, and with the help of her NYC-based son, she also took all three groups on whirlwind day trip tours of the Big Apple. In January 2023, she started working part-time for the International Center as a Programming Assistant and looks forward to future adventures in citizen diplomacy. Barbara has an M.A. in Criminal Justice and has worked in the local criminal justice system for the past seventeen years. When not planning international-related activities or interviewing convicted defendants, she enjoys traveling and playing pickleball.
Shay Eljastimi
Programming Intern
Originally from Brooklyn, Shay graduated Cum Laude from the University at Albany with a Bachelor’s degree in Globalization. Shay is a Masters of International Affairs student at Rockefeller College with a concentration in Diplomacy and Global Governance. She is a second-generation American with parents from Morocco. Shay is also a native Arabic speaker, specifically the North African dialects. She has internship experience in social justice and community-based services, working with organizations like CASES, Ladies of Hope Ministries, and The Center for Community Justice of Schenectady.
Shay hopes to contribute a meaningful understanding of the
complexities surrounding global conflicts and the potential for
diplomatic strategies to foster lasting solutions. In her free time,
Shay enjoys connecting with others, watching Turkish dramas, and
cooking.
Andrew Fleckenstein
Programming Intern
Andrew is originally from Niagara Falls, NY. He completed his undergraduate degree in International Studies from Niagara University. This program ignited Andrew’s passion for global affairs and inspired me to delve deeper into the field.
Driven by a desire to expand his understanding of international relations, Andrew decided to pursue a master’s degree in International Affairs. This led him to Rockefeller College for Public Affairs & Policy in Albany, where he is currently immersed in a stimulating and enriching academic environment.
Kacie Eichhorn
Communications Intern
Kacie is a University of Albany student majoring in journalism with a minor in sociology. She is passionate about cultural exploration and aspires to become a travel journalist, gathering unique experiences worldwide. She is excited to work with the International Center of the Capital Region and eager to connect with individuals and expand her knowledge.