Board Announcement: Retirement of Executive Director and Appointment of Successor 

International Educational Research Foundation (IERF) Retirement of Executive Director and Appointment of Successor  

After more than 22 years of dedicated service, it is with mixed emotions that IERF announces the retirement of our esteemed Executive Director, Susan Bedil, effective December 31, 2024. Susan will continue in an advisory capacity through January 2025 to ensure a seamless transition for her successor. 

“It has been a privilege to have served IERF, the first credentials evaluation service in the US, for over two decades”, said Susan. “I am extremely grateful for the trust that the Board placed in me and the support that it and the staff have given me to serve and fulfill IERF’s mission”. 

During her tenure, Susan’s vision and leadership brought her much recognition, including being the recipient of NAGAP’s (The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management’s) Visionary Award in 2020 for demonstrating unique vision in the field as an established leader in the profession. Her work impacted policy, shaped professionalism and influenced research specifically in graduate enrollment. She has been instrumental in driving IERF’s mission forward by implementing innovative strategies that have significantly impacted the field of international education in the placement of international students and professionals. Susan has led numerous successful initiatives, including the fundamental technological shift in the handling, evaluation and transmission of non-US educational credentials. Her leadership and thoughtfulness during the pandemic and its significant impact on international higher education and the core functions of our Foundation are truly remarkable and have been a source of inspiration for both staff and stakeholders alike. Her constancy across the years has benefited many thousands of our clients seeking further education, licensure and work opportunities in the US. 

“I am immensely proud of the work that IERF does and am thrilled that IERF is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. Making a difference in the lives of our many applicants as well as serving our institutional clients has been truly an honor and I am very grateful to my many colleagues in the field of international education for their support and friendship. They have enriched my life, and many fond memories will follow me into my retirement. I know that IERF has its best days ahead and I look forward to seeing IERF’s success well into the future”, stated Susan. 

 Transition to New Leadership 

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Dr. Lin Reed will be stepping into the role of Executive Director, effective January 6, 2025. Dr. Reed brings more than 15 years’ experience in building global partnerships between institutions and across continents through her work. She has previously served as Executive Director of Global Student Success Programs at Navitas USA and as Director of International Academic Engagement and Global initiatives at Ball State University. Her vision and experience align with the strategic goals of IERF and we are excited to welcome her to our leadership team.  

"I am deeply honored to lead and serve IERF, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Directors for entrusting me with this opportunity. Susan and her team have made significant contributions, establishing a strong foundation for the organization. I am committed to working diligently to uphold IERF’s mission while fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in credential evaluation and international education," said Dr. Reed. 

Looking Ahead 

As we transition into this new chapter, we remain committed to our mission - one of research and the dissemination of information on world educational systems to help facilitate the integration of individuals educated outside the United States into the U.S. educational environment and workforce. We are confident that under Lin's leadership, IERF will continue to thrive and positively impact the global credential evaluation market. We invite our community to join us celebrate Susan Bedil 's remarkable career of dedicated service and welcome Dr. Lin Reed to her new role. 

Elaine Wheeler 
Board Chair 
International Educational Research Foundation