Institutions of Democracy - 1988 - International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is a global nonprofit founded in 1987 that works to support stronger, more inclusive democratic institutions through credible elections and political participation. IFES collaborates with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. Over the decades, it has worked in more than 145 countries, making it one of the leading organizations focused specifically on election administration and democratic development.
In this recording, Sarah Tinsley shares her experience as the first director of IFES, from when she first learned Peter McPherson’s idea for the organization while working at USAID to IFES’s work today.
Sarah Tinsley serves as president of the Foundation for American Security and Freedom (FASF), a nonprofit established by Ambassador John R. Bolton and dedicated to ensuring American leadership in a world of growing international threats.
Sarah Tinsley served as the director of the John Bolton PAC from 2013-2018 and 2019-2025. Ms. Tinsley served as Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs at the White House from May 2018 until September 2019.
Ms. Tinsley spent nearly fifteen years of her career in public service. Previous positions include Deputy to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2005-2006), Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (2003-2005) and several positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) including acting Assistant Administrator for External Affairs (1981-1986).
In 1988, Ms. Tinsley established and marketed with funding from USAID the new nonprofit, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), dedicated to providing non-partisan technical support to nascent democracies wanting to hold free and fair, multiparty elections. She managed the rapid growth and expansion of IFES until 1993.
In the private sector, Ms. Tinsley served as vice president of Communications and Marketing for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) 2007-2013), and president of the MBA Open Doors Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families with children being treated for a critical illness or injury stay in their homes during the time of treatment.
Ms. Tinsley received a MBA from Dominican University of California and a BA from Skidmore College.
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