Bergthora “Begga” Laxdal assumed the position of Executive Director on December 1st, 2023. She worked at the Consulate General of Iceland in New York for almost 20 years, mainly as Head of Culture & Consular Affairs, in addition with her work on Trade Affairs. She served on the BOD of Nordic Innovation House in Silicon Valley and the Foreign Trade Association in New York. She has held seats at working committees for Nordic Innovation House in New York and Silicon Valley, AMPlify, and joint Nordic Cultural and Communication Committees in New York. She holds an MA degree in Cultural Management, BA degree in Psychology and is slated to graduate with an MBA in the spring of 2024. Prior experiences include Managing Director for a marketing program Iceland Naturally, Project Manager for marketing program Inspired by Iceland, Board Member of American-Scandinavian Society, and President of the Icelandic Association in New York.