Dan Hester is a seasoned program director with extensive expertise in designing and managing international education and training initiatives with the University of Southern California,Michigan State University and the Close Up Foundation in Washington, DC. As Executive Director of Gateway Global Learning Network, he and his team provide educational and talent development opportunities for professionals, public servants, and students, particularly in Washington, DC, and partners with GeoRisk Solutions, an international risk management consultancy group. With a strong background in strategic planning, partnership development, and financial management, he has led impactful programs across AMER, APAC, and EMEA regions. He has provided grant writing support for the River’s Edge Ranch substance abuse program and CityLink: Water of Life Community Church (WOLCC) homeless services. Monthly, he volunteers for the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO), the United States Naval SeaCadet Corps (USNSCC) and WOLCC. Hester holds a B.A. in Political Science from Michigan State University and received advanced training in international management from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. His work emphasizes innovation, operational excellence, and global outreach.