Executive Leadership
Our executive leadership is comprised of Professor Jeff Bachman with the guidance of Ambassador Cecilia Nahón. Together, they guide the development of the program and offer mentorship to the student staff. Their exceptional combined leadership and academic experience have been responsible for the growing popularity and notoriety of the Model G20 program.
Cecilia Nahón is an economist whose experience extends across the public, academic, and private sectors. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Southern Cone at the World Bank. Prior to this appointment, she served as Ambassador of Argentina to the US (2013-2015) and G20 Sherpa of Argentina (2012-2015). As the Argentine Sherpa during the Mexican, Russian, Australian, and Turkish presidencies she was the lead representative responsible for the Communique and pre-summit negotiations. Nahón was also the lead negotiator on trade, investment, climate change, employment, and anti-corruption issues.
Nahón holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the Latin American School of Social Sciences in Argentina, a MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics, and a BA in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires. She has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses and has published several academic articles and opinion pieces in Argentina and the US. In her role as Ambassador, as well as throughout her career, she had the opportunity to deliver speeches and give presentations in universities, think tanks, labor unions, business organizations, and international institutions, among others.
Jeff Bachman is a Senior Professorial Lecturer, with a focus on genocide, political violence, and human rights, at American University’s School of International Service. He is also the Administrative Director of three MA programs--Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights, Intercultural and International Communication, and International Peace and Conflict Resolution--and Director of the American University International Relations Society.
Bachman holds a PhD in Law, Policy, and Society from Northeastern University. He is the author of two books: The Politics of Genocide: From the Genocide Convention to the Responsibility to Protect and The United States and Genocide: (Re)Defining the Relationship. He is also the editor of Cultural Genocide: Law, Politics, and Global Manifestations, and the forthcoming volume: Genocide: The Path Ahead. He is currently working on a textbook titled War and Genocide: Hierarchies of Violence and Suffering.
Student Leadership
Our student leaders assist the executive staff in the planning and execution of our yearly summit. Their responsibilities span from researching and writing policy notes to coordinating our catering and events. Through participation in our program, they get to work closely with G20 practitioners, meet with experts, and gain valuable real world skills.
This year, our staff is comprised of over 15 talented American University graduate and undergraduate students. Our team is here to ensure that you have the best experience possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Kiran Kochar McCabe is a senior at American University’s School of International Service, majoring in International Studies with a minor in Sociology. She loved participating in the Model G20 Summit her freshman year and is thrilled to be leading the organization of this year’s Indian Summit.
Samuel Medina is a junior at American University majoring in International Studies with a minor in Spanish. He developed his passion for foreign policy issues in part through his participation in Model G20, where he currently serves as Chief of Simulation under the Indian Presidency. He has previously served as Senior Policy Advisor for the Italian Presidency and led the delegation from Japan during the Saudi Presidency.
Hailey Brown is a sophomore at American University's School of Public Affairs, majoring in Justice and Law with a concentration in Terrorism and Security Studies. This year, she is managing logistics for the summit. This is Hailey’s first year being part of the summit, and she is excited to see what our amazing staff and delegates will bring to the table.
