Board of Directors
Richard Johnson
Chair/President
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Yelena Maleyev
Chair of Strategic Operations
Yelena Maleyev is a senior economist at KPMG, based in Chicago. With a focus on national and international economic indicators, Yelena is frequently quoted in the financial press for her insights. She provides analysis and expertise on economic data and policy developments to the KPMG Economics team, firm leadership, and clients, aiding them in making informed decisions and managing economic risks. Her speaking engagements and contributions to client presentations have made her a sought-after speaker since joining KPMG.
She holds the Certified Business Economist (CBE) designation and is a member of the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). Within NABE, Yelena is currently serving as co-chair of the Real Estate Roundtable.
Yelena earned a master's degree in applied economics from Georgetown University and a bachelor of commerce degree with honors from the University of Manitoba, with a major in finance and international business.
Nicole Knapp
Chair of Community & Alumni Engagement
Nicole Knapp is a 2018 Masters of Applied Economics graduate. Since her time at Georgetown, Nicole has served in various economic roles throughout the Federal government including on the White House Council of Economic Advisers and as the Chief Economist of the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is currently a manager at Ernst & Young in the Government and Public Sector business, providing solutions to Federal government clients. Nicole received her Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Oregon.
Riya Bhargava
Chair of Marketing
Riya Bhargava, a proud alumnus of Georgetown University with an MSc in Economics (2023), serves as a valued member of Georgetown’s Economics Alumni Board of Directors. She also holds a BA (Honors) in Business Economics from the University of Delhi. She is a Research Assistant at Exeter Associates, Inc., a prominent consulting firm renowned for its expertise in energy, economics, and regulatory matters. In this role, Riya skillfully navigates the complexities of energy economics, developing innovative solutions for a range of challenges in public policy, legal frameworks, and business, with a focus on renewable energy and data analysis. Her analytical acumen and deep understanding of economic principles are instrumental in crafting strategic solutions for a diverse clientele, including federal, state, and private sector entities.
Jenny Grimberg
Chair of Communications
Jenny Grimberg is a Vice President and Executive Director in the Global Investment Research division of Goldman Sachs, where she is responsible for publishing thematic macroeconomic research. She has been in this role since 2019, and worked in economic research for the past six years. Jenny has an MA in Applied Economics from Georgetown University and a BS in Finance and Economics from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Yekun Zhou
Treasurer
2021 Graduate of M.S of Economics (Computational Economics) from Georgetown University. Currently working as a Senior Associate at Advanced Analytical Consulting Group, Inc., where he focuses on economic consulting and statistical analysis for business decisions and litigation.