New Board Leadership at the IAMDC

Francesco Isgro, President of the Italian American Museum of  Washington DC (IAMDC), has announced the election of a new leadership team following action  taken at the Board of Directors meeting on May 31, 2026. 

Elected Chairman of the Board is S. Joseph Bruno, CPA, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and  longtime supporter of both the Museum and the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center. Dr. Mary  Ann Re, a nationally recognized educator and advocate for Italian American heritage and  culture, was elected Vice Chair. Gene L. Dodaro, former Comptroller General of the United  States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), was elected to the  Corporate Board and will also join the Board of Directors.  

From left to right: Francesco Isgro, Gene L. Dodaro and Mary Ann Re.

The Board also recognized the distinguished service of outgoing Chairman Ciro DeFalco, who  concludes a successful five-year tenure as Chairman and will continue serving as a member of  the Board of Directors. 

During his tenure, DeFalco guided the Museum through a period of significant organizational  growth, expanded community engagement, and increased visibility throughout the Washington  metropolitan region. His leadership strengthened the Museum's ability to fulfill its mission of  preserving and promoting the history, culture, and contributions of Italian Americans in the  Nation's Capital. 

“On behalf of the entire Board, we extend our deepest appreciation to Ciro for his leadership,  dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Museum,” said Bruno. “His vision and  stewardship have helped position the organization for continued growth and long-term success.  We are grateful that he will continue to share his experience and counsel as a member of the  Board.” 

Bruno brings more than five decades of distinguished leadership experience in accounting,  finance, business management, and nonprofit governance. He is the Founder and President  Emeritus of Building Hope, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to  expanding educational opportunities for children and families across the United States. During  his business career, Bruno served as a partner with both KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers and later as Chief Financial Officer of a publicly traded company before pursuing  entrepreneurial and nonprofit leadership opportunities. He has served on numerous corporate,  nonprofit, educational, and civic boards throughout his career and is widely recognized for his  commitment to public service, philanthropy, financial stewardship, and community leadership.  A native of Sicily, he has remained deeply committed to preserving and promoting Italian  heritage and culture and has been a steadfast supporter of the Italian American Museum of  Washington DC since its founding. 

Elected Chairman S. Joseph Bruno

“I am honored by the confidence my fellow Board members have placed in me,” said Bruno.  “The Italian American Museum of Washington DC serves an essential role in preserving the  stories, traditions, values, and accomplishments of Italian Americans who have helped shape  our community and our nation. Building upon the strong foundation established by those who  came before us, I look forward to working alongside our Board members, supporters, and  community partners to expand the Museum’s impact, strengthen its educational mission, and  ensure that its legacy continues to inspire future generations.” 

Vice Chair Mary Ann Re brings extensive experience in higher education, cultural programming,  and Italian American studies. She served as the founding Director of the Joseph and Elda Coccia  Institute for the Italian Experience in America at Montclair State University and previously led  New Jersey’s Italian Heritage Commission. Throughout her distinguished career, she has  fostered educational and cultural partnerships among Italian American organizations across the  United States. In 2012, she was named a Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica  Italiana in recognition of her contributions to promoting Italian language and culture. 

Gene L. Dodaro recently completed an extraordinary fifteen-year tenure as Comptroller General  of the United States, leading the Government Accountability Office and earning national and  international recognition for excellence in public service, accountability, governance, and  financial management. His expertise and experience will be a valuable asset to the Museum and  its Board of Directors. 

“The Board is fortunate to benefit from the collective experience and dedication of its  members,” said Isgro. “Together, they bring exceptional expertise in public service, education,  nonprofit leadership, finance, and cultural advocacy. Their guidance will help advance the  Museum’s mission and strengthen its role as a leading institution dedicated to preserving and  celebrating the Italian American experience in our nation’s capital.”