Richard Schrader provides executive leadership over the organization’s financial strategy, governance, and operations across IREX’s global portfolio of activities. He oversees the controllership of IREX’s financial assets and records, manages the organization’s resource allocation and planning cycle, drives financial analysis to support decision making, engages internal and external stakeholders on financial strategy, and ensures compliance with the legal and regulatory frameworks affecting IREX’s financial operations. He is guided by a commitment to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to IREX and believes that strong financial governance is essential to advancing the organization’s mission.

Richard brings more than 15 years of experience in international nonprofit financial management, with extensive expertise in the management of U.S. government funding, including Uniform Guidance and Single Audit requirements, as well as experience with bilateral and private foundation donors. His work focuses on strengthening internal financial controls, integrating global financial operations, and modernizing systems and processes to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Richard has been with IREX since 2011 and has held several senior leadership roles, including most recently as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Budget and Compliance. 

He holds a master’s degree in European and Eurasian Studies from The George Washington University and expects to complete a Master of Business Administration at the University of Kansas in the coming year. He has also earned bachelor’s degrees in international relations, economics, and Russian language from Michigan State University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Accounting and a grants management certification.