The Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) is pleased to announce that Gary Marx has been appointed to its Board of Directors. He brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, policy advocacy, and global communications.

Gary Marx is President of Madison Strategies LLC and the Concord Fund and currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Judicial Crisis Network. He launched Madison Strategies in 2013 after serving almost three years at the helm of the Faith & Freedom Coalition as Executive Director. His career path has included high level postings as Senior Advisor to Scott Walker for President, Marco Rubio for President, Conservative Coalitions Director at the Bush-Cheney 2004 national campaign headquarters where he spearheaded outreach to social conservatives & people of faith. 

Gary is a media veteran and has done hundreds of television, print, and radio interviews including CNN, CBN, CSPAN and FOX NEWS. He has also been a featured speaker for prominent organizations such as The Federalist Society, International Republican Institute, The Leadership Institute, Hanns Seidel Foundation, AIPAC and The Council for National Policy.

Marx is deeply engaged in defending fundamental freedoms in Ukraine. As President of Defenders of Faith and Religious Freedom in Ukraine, he has been a strong advocate for religious liberty and democratic values. His commitment aligns with KSE’s mission to uphold academic excellence, economic resilience, and policy innovation for Ukraine’s future.

“I am honored to serve on the board of KSE as we look forward to providing world class education with an eye on a peaceful future.  It is an exciting time to join the board with anticipation for celebrating 30 years of graduates in 2026!” says Mr. Marx. 

“At KSE, we believe that bold ideas emerge from diverse perspectives. Welcoming Gary Marx to our Board is a step toward expanding our global dialogue and reinforcing our commitment to democratic values, open debate, and strategic progress. His deep commitment to Ukraine’s democratic and economic development aligns perfectly with our mission to build a strong, independent, and prosperous country,” said the KSE Board of Directors in a joint statement.

Marx earned a degree in Political Science from James Madison University (USA) and a Master’s degree in Political Management from Regent University (USA). He is a dedicated advocate for economic and policy-driven solutions that promote freedom, democracy, and innovation.

The Kyiv School of Economics looks forward to working with Gary Marx in advancing its commitment to excellence, global partnerships, and impactful policy engagement for Ukraine’s development.

The Board of Directors of the Kyiv School of Economics is the main governing body responsible for shaping its strategic direction. The Board approves key policies, oversees the School’s areas of activity, and sets development priorities for the coming years. Additionally, it is responsible for approving the annual budget and the appointments of the top management team.

Co-Chairs:

• Olena Bilan — Head of Research/ Chief Economist Dragon Capital; KSE’2002, Chairman of the Strategic Committee of the Board of Directors

• Oleksandr Kravchenko — Partner of McKinsey&Company, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors

• Makar Paseniuk — Founding Partner of ICU, Co-chairman of the Board of Directors of KSE, Head of the Fundraising Committee

• Anna Nagurney —  Eugene M. Isenberg Chair in Integrative Studies at Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Board of Directors:

• Torbjorn Becker — Director, Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE)

• Tomas Fiala — CEO,Dragon Capital

• John E. Herbst — Director, Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council

• Alex Lissitsa — Chairman, Board of Directors, Industrial Milk Company (IMC)

• Gary Marx — President, Defenders of Faith and Religious Freedom in Ukraine

• Michael A. McFaul — Director, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Stanford University; Former US National Security Advisor; U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2012-2014); Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Sanctions against Russia

• Roger Myerson — Nobel Laureate in Economics 2007; Professor, University of Chicago

• Tymofiy Mylovanov — KSE President; Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh; Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture in Ukraine (2019-20); KSE’1999

• William B. Taylor — Vice President, Europe and Russia, U.S. Institute of Peace; 6th US Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009); US Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine in 2019

• Svyatoslav Vakarchuk — Musician and social activist

• Lola Woetzel — Senior partner ,McKinsey & Company; Director, McKinsey Global Institute

• Oleksandr Zholud — Chief Expert, Monetary Policy and Economic Analysis Department, National Bank of Ukraine

Honorary Chairman of the Board:

• Yegor Grygorenko — Partner of Deloitte; Head of Consulting Department in Deloitte Ukraine; KSE’2001

Senior Advisors:

• Anders Åslund — Senior Advisor to the KSE Board of Directors; Resident Senior Fellow, Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council

• Yuriy Gorodnichenko — Former chairman, KSE IAB; Quantedge Presidential Professor of Economics, University of California, Berkeley; KSE’2001

• Regina Yan — Senior Adviser to the KSE Board; Chief Operating Officer, PCORI; Senior Advisor, Eurasia Foundation