French-American Foundation selects new president with fundraising background

The French-American Foundation, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to supporting relations between the two longtime allies, has appointed a new president with an extensive fundraising background.

The group announced on Wednesday that Caroline Naralasetty will take the helm and oversee efforts to aid transatlantic relations in government, business, public policy and culture. Naralasetty has served as director of development at the bilingual French-English school Lycée Français de New York since 2017.

“The Foundation’s innovative programs and extensive web of relationships on both sides of the Atlantic play a critical role in strengthening the essential French-American relationship,” she said in a statement. “I am honored to be part of this important work.”

The organization was founded in 1976 to bring together French and American policymakers and professionals and often hosts policy-focused transatlantic forums. It also offers a competitive Young Leaders Program, whose alumni include former President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Naralasetty previously served as corporate vice president for the fundraising consulting firm CCS, providing counsel to clients like Carnegie Hall, Pace University and Columbia Business School.

She succeeds Emeline Foster, who has served as executive director of the foundation for more than four years.

French-American Foundation Chairman Allan Chapin said Naralasetty “brings a wealth of unparalleled achievement and experience” to the position.