Breean Fortier

Executive Director, IQSS

As Executive Director, Fortier is responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, financial, and personnel management of the IQSS and its related programs. In this capacity, Fortier also oversees the Institute's day-to-day operations and administrative activities, including grants management, fundraising, budgeting, space planning, human resources, and communications.

Fortier joined IQSS in May 2008. Prior to that, she worked in the FAS Executive Dean's office as an Assistant Dean, providing central oversight and leadership for the international and social science research centers within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She also led an effort to develop consistent policies, procedures, and activities in support of international activities across FAS. Before moving to the FAS, Fortier spent four years in Harvard's central financial administration working with the various schools, service units, and Vice Presidents. She engaged in cross-University projects, such as the development of Allston, academic and campaign planning, the transformation of the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences into a school within a school, and tax-exempt debt compliance. She also staffed a number of University and donor task forces, including the Construction Task Force, the Task Force on University Finance, and the Allston Financing Advisory Board. Fortier directed the University Management Fellowship Program for several years.

Before coming to Harvard, Fortier worked at Deloitte Consulting and spent several years as a Russian language instructor for the U.S. Army. Fortier currently serves on the Board of the Michael C. Rockefeller Fellowship and previously served on the Board of the Radcliffe Mentor Program. She has degrees from Harvard College and Columbia University.