The Fulbright Commission has a small, but dedicated and dynamic team that believes in the mission of the Fulbright Program. We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to make a difference in Iceland-US relations and to take part in the Fulbright mission to bring to the world a little more knowledge, compassion and reason.
What is not to love about our jobs? We get to meet and work every day with inspiring and talented grantees who are grateful for the opportunities they receive, we get to follow a wide variety of fascinating projects come to fruition and we get to take part in a global community of like-minded professionals who understand the need to promote mutual understanding, open-mindedness and diversity in today’s world. You can read about individual team members below.
Executive Director
Belinda Theriault holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an MBA from Reykjavik University. She has led the Fulbright Commission since 2011. Her career has focused on international cooperation, including 13 years working for the Icelandic Parliament, 10 of these as Director of the International Department. She also spent three years in Brussels working for EFTA and has worked as a consultant for various organizations. Belinda oversees the strategic direction of Fulbright Iceland and advises the board on strategy, policy and programs. She serves as CFO and head of HR, manages governmental and external relationships and leads organizational development to meet the opportunities and challenges of a changing world. In cooperation with the Board of Directors, Belinda and her team work to provide value to all stakeholders, with an emphasis on providing relevant and sought-after opportunities to top-notch scholars, scientists, students and artists, who are making the world a better place.
Senior Fulbright Program Officer / Executive Officer
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +354 5510860
Pétur Valsson is the Fulbright Program Officer responsible for US and Icelandic scholar programs, Specialist program and alumni affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in Scandinavian Studies/Cinema and Media from the University of Washington, Seattle, an MA degree in Film Studies from Columbia University and BA in History from University of Iceland. He has an extensive experience working in higher education and has taught at educational institutions in the US, UK and Iceland.
Fulbright Program Coordinator / EducationUSA Adviser
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +354 5510860
Veronika Guðmundsdóttir Jónsson is the Fulbright Program Coordinator responsible for US and Icelandic student programs and our EducationUSA adviser. As a dual American-Icelandic citizen, Veronika has a great interest in the enhancement of US-Icelandic cultural and educational relations. Veronika holds a dual MA and MSc degree in international and world history from Columbia University and the London School of Economics where she wrote her dissertation on cultural ties between Iceland and the US. Veronika also holds a BA degree in history and a post-graduate diploma in international relations from the University of Iceland. She has previously worked for the Erasmus+ National Agency in Iceland and for the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNÍS).
In-house philosopher
In addition to being our in-house philosopher, Mia is the Commission’s security officer and emotional support animal. In true Fulbright spirit, she graduated top of her class from puppy school and has been a valued member of the Fulbright team ever since.
