SMITHFIELD, RI – Global business development executive Andrew Gelfuso has been appointed Director of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University. Gelfuso will help to advance Bryant’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan by expanding the activities of the Chafee Center into new markets, elevating its influence and impact in the region, and further developing experiential learning opportunities for Bryant’s nationally recognized international business and educational programs. He begins his term July 1.
“Operating at the intersection of global business, education and government, the Chafee Center is an integral part of Bryant’s mission and Vision 2030 strategic plan.”
Founded in 1988, the Chafee Center for International Business is a crucial hub connecting the business community and government with Bryant’s faculty experts, real-world academic programs, and students who participate in directed study, practicums and internships. The Chafee Center’s services and resources include global market research, corporate training, international trade events and strategic consulting.
Gelfuso is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience driving top-line growth initiatives through executive management, trade missions, international expansion, and global public/private trade deals in Washington, D.C. He is widely known for his ability to develop strategic global relationships at the highest levels of government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
Reporting to College of Business Dean Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D., Gelfuso will oversee The Chafee Center, World Trade Center Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Export Assistance Center while maintaining strong relationships with the Department of Commerce and the state’s Executive Offices. The Chafee Center’s mission is to foster world trade through collaboration with the University’s academic programs, partnerships with state and federal entities, and outreach to the business community.
"Gelfuso will play a key role in leveraging the expertise of our faculty and the talent of Bryant students to make important strategic contributions for organizations across the region.”
In announcing the appointment, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., a noted economist and economic development expert, said, “Educating our students as impact thinkers with a global mindset is at the core of the Bryant experience. Andrew Gelfuso will play a key role in leveraging the expertise of our faculty and the talent of Bryant students to make important strategic contributions for organizations across the region.”
“Operating at the intersection of global business, education and government, the Chafee Center is an integral part of Bryant’s mission and Vision 2030 strategic plan,” adds Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. “We welcome Andrew Gelfuso’s leadership in creating programs and building partnerships that will expand opportunities and access for students as well as businesses and individuals in the state.”
“The Chafee Center is a vital part of Bryant University, a vital partner for the State of Rhode Island, and a valuable resource for the businesses and individuals who benefit from its programs and offerings.”
Gelfuso will play key role in administering the Rhode Island State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant, a national export initiative that makes matching fund awards to states to assist small businesses expanding into global markets; spearhead Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) working with Commerce RI; build partnerships with companies for student practicum projects; and develop business training, consulting services, and other programs offered by the Center.
“The Chafee Center is a vital part of Bryant University, a vital partner for the State of Rhode Island, and a valuable resource for the businesses and individuals who benefit from its programs and offerings,” says Annavarjula. “We knew it would be important to find the right leader to advance the organization to achieve its fullest potential. Andrew Gelfuso is that leader at this critical time as we work to advance important strategic initiatives that position Bryant as a global leader in business and education for the 21st century.”
Gelfuso comes to Bryant from Washington, D.C., where he served for 16 years as Vice President with Trade Center Management Associates and Director of the World Trade Center, Washington, D.C. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC). In this role, Gelfuso grew the trade office into one of the most robust international trade centers in the world, advancing the congressional mission of the RRB/ITC to promote trade in new and creative ways during his tenure. Prior to that he served in leadership roles for the U.S. Department of Commerce focused on the East Asia Pacific Region and the Textiles and Apparel industry.
He started his career as an International Support Specialist with the Chafee Center and World Trade Center Rhode Island.
“This is such a unique opportunity to return to Rhode Island and promote the state that I know has so much to offer.”
“My hope is that the relationships that I have developed globally during my time in Washington D.C., as well as my early career experience with the Center, will benefit its clients and create new connections and opportunities for the University and the State,” said Gelfuso.
The Cranston, RI, native returns to the Ocean State from Washington to collaborate with administrators, faculty, and staff to position the Chafee Center for success by expanding its client base and building strategic partnerships with regional businesses to increase opportunities for research projects and consultation. He will also partner closely with Bryant University faculty in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, and the MBA program, among others, for research and internship opportunities.
Gelfuso says he looks forward to working with the Rhode Island business community to increase international trade and to advance foreign direct investment. “This is such a unique opportunity to return to Rhode Island and promote the state that I know has so much to offer,” he says.
In addition to his business leadership experience, Gelfuso has served on a number of Boards and committees including the D.C.-Virginia Export Council, the private sector International Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC 10) that advises the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on trade, the National Trust for the Mall in Washington, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. He earned his MBA at Johnson and Wales University and a B.A. from Hobart William Smith Colleges.
About the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University
Named for the late U.S. senator from Rhode Island who was a long-time advocate for international trade and the benefits of introducing new markets to our nation’s businesses, the Chafee Center is a vital resource for both the State and the campus and establishes, develops, and enhances opportunities for businesses to expand into international markets. For more than 35 years, the Chafee Center has provided comprehensive international trade services for businesses of all sizes and industries. Services and programs include global market research, corporate training, international trade events and strategic consulting for businesses whose goals are to expand into international markets.
