Dan Brenner, Executive Director

Dr. Dan Brenner, Executive Director at United Nations International School (UNIS)

Dan Brenner, PhD, earned a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Tufts University and a Master's Degree and Ph.D. in School/Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University. Dan's career started first as a school psychologist and   then principal in the Great Neck, New York Public Schools. He later became the high school principal in Yorktown,   New York, and an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology in the Roslyn, New York   Public Schools. Dan spent 8 years as the Superintendent of Schools in Roslyn and moved on to become the   Superintendent of Schools in Darien, Connecticut in 2015.

The driving force in his career is his philosophy of putting the needs of students first. Dan's belief system is that   schools should be rigorous places of learning that inspire curiosity among its students never losing sight of the   simple fact that rigor and fun can coexist as partners in the learning process.

Michele Bett, Assistant Executive Director

Michele Bett is thrilled to be joining the UNIS community of learners. Originally from Southampton in England, she holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in English and History and a Master of Education in International Education Administration.  

Most recently, Michele served as Deputy Headmaster at Ridley College in Canada, where she has worked for the last eight years. Before Ridley, she served as Academic Dean and Curriculum Director at TASIS, The American School in England. Throughout her 20 year tenure at TASIS, she held several roles, including Chair of the History Department and Model United Nations Director. 

Michele’s commitment to education and passion for fostering a global perspective aligns seamlessly with UNIS's mission and values. Her peers have described her glowingly as a strong leader with a proven track record of driving positive change. In addition, she’s being recognized as not only an effective administrator but also a compassionate advocate for students.

Michael Feeney, Chief Financial Officer

Michael Feeney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Maine, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Kentucky University and is certified by the State of Connecticut in School Business Management.

Michael brings to the position more than 21 years’ experience managing diverse municipalities and operations of public boards of education in Fairfield County Connecticut.   Prior to being named Chief Financial Officer for UNIS in 2019, Michael was the Director of Finance and Operations for the Darien Public School System in Darien, Connecticut, responsible for finances, information technology, food service, facilities and transportation. 

He began his career serving the Town of Stratford Connecticut as the Town Manager.  In 2007, Michael served as the Chief Administrative Officer and later Chief Financial Officer for Bridgeport, Connecticut, the State’s largest municipality, fifth largest in New England.   In that capacity he oversaw more than 1,300 employees and 1 billion dollars in operating, capital and pension assets.  After, he returned to the Town of Stratford as the Chief Operating Officer for the Board of Education.  

Ashlee Willaman, Director of Human Resources

Ashlee is a human-centered leader with over 20 years of experience in mission-driven organizations. Most recently, she served as the Director of Human Resources at Park Avenue Armory and the Director of Human Resources and Diversity at the Museum of Arts & Design.

Previously, she spent over 13 years at Columbia Artists Management, rising to Vice President of Administration and HR. Earlier in her career, she managed visitor services at the Guggenheim Museum and performance ticketing at the Wexner Center. Ashlee holds HR management certificates from Pace University and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and earned a BFA in dance with honors from Ohio State University.

Outside of work, Ashlee is a yoga instructor at a studio focused on making yoga accessible to people with spinal injuries and chronic pain. She is also a passionate runner and guide for Achilles International, having completed 15 NYC Marathons guiding runners with disabilities.