External Advisory Board

UNYP External Advisory Board: Guiding International Higher Education in Prague

The External Advisory Board of the University of New York in Prague (UNYP) plays a vital role in shaping the university’s strategic direction and ensuring the ongoing excellence of its international higher education programs in the Czech Republic. Meeting twice a year, the board offers expert guidance to UNYP’s leadership on how to strengthen the university’s position within both the Czech and global academic landscapes.

The board evaluates the quality of English-language university programs in Prague offered by UNYP, recommending improvements to curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and alignment with current societal and economic needs. This ensures that students receive a modern, career-relevant education that meets international standards.

Composed of nine respected leaders from academia, public life, and the business world, the UNYP External Advisory Board brings together higher education advisors and industry experts in Central Europe. Their diverse insights contribute significantly to UNYP’s growth, long-term impact, and commitment to preparing graduates for the demands of a global workforce.

Ing. Andrea Ferancová Bartoňová, Chair of the Board & Founding Partner at ESPIRA Investments

Ms. Andrea Ferancová Bartoňová brings over 20 years of expertise in emerging market finance, with a proven track record of leadership and innovation in the Central European investment landscape. Before co-founding ESPIRA, an investment fund focused on supporting diverse leadership, Andrea was a co-owner of Wood & Company, one of Central Europe’s leading investment banks and brokerage firms. During her tenure, she played a key role in transforming the company’s market position, growing its share of the Czech equity market from 5% to a dominant 30%, a leadership position it continues to maintain. She was also a trailblazer in the region, driving the implementation of electronic trading access across major financial centers including Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Dubai. Recognized for her influence and accomplishments, Andrea has been repeatedly named among the Top 25 Businesswomen in the Czech Republic by both Hospodářské noviny and Forbes. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing capital markets and promoting inclusive leadership within the finance sector.

Dr. William Barnard, Ph.D. – Former Dean of Academic Development at UNYP, Center Director of the Council on International Educational Exchange

Originally from the United States, Will Barnard brings two decades of experience in international education, with a strong focus on academic leadership in the Czech Republic. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, a Master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Doctorate from the University of Michigan—an academic background that reflects his deep commitment to higher education. Will has been closely connected with the University of New York in Prague (UNYP) for over fifteen years, where he held several key roles, including Vice President for Academic Affairs and Operations Manager. His work made a significant contribution to the university’s academic development and operational excellence. Currently, Will serves as the Center Director in Prague for CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations for international education and exchange programs.

Ing. Senta Čermáková – CEO of Czechitas, Teacher at CEMS – The Global Alliance in Management Education

Ms. Čermáková graduated in biocybernetics from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University and has since become a leader in innovation, technology, and education. She drives strategic projects focused on emerging technologies, supports startups locally and internationally, and teaches critical thinking in futurology within the international CEMS program. Passionate about social innovation and mentoring, she leads several initiatives, including SheXO for women in leadership, KidsXO for young tech talent, and 3XO for senior business professionals. At Deloitte Czech Republic, she launched and manages a successful internship program and has twice received Deloitte’s Central Europe Regional Impact Award for her work in startups and business transformation. In 2011, she became the first woman to be named Manager of the Year.

Ing. Jan Fischer, CSc. – Former Czech Prime Minister

Jan Fischer is a former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with a distinguished career spanning government, academia, and the private sector. He holds a PhD in economic statistics and began his professional journey at the Federal Statistical Office, eventually serving as President of the Czech Statistical Office from 2003 to 2009, where he led teams on election data and coordinated with Eurostat. In the private sector, he held senior roles at Taylor Nelson Sofres Factum and CE Group. In 2001, he collaborated with the IMF to help establish a statistical service in East Timor. As Prime Minister from 2009 to 2010, he led the Czech Republic during its EU Council Presidency, later serving as Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. He also served as Vice-President of the EBRD and headed university research centers. Today, he advises the Czech Statistical Office and teaches at the University of Economics in Prague, where he also sits on the Board of Trustees.

PhDr. Jindřich Fryč – Chief State Secretary

Jindřich Fryč graduated from the Faculty of Education at Charles University in Prague and has dedicated his career to public service, with a particular focus on education. At the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, he held several key roles, including Director of the Department for Youth, Director General for International Relations and European Affairs, Deputy Minister from 2012 to 2014, and later Secretary General. Recognized for his impact on education, science, and culture, he has been awarded the French Order of Academic Palms and Germany’s Grand Cross of Merit. He now serves as Chief State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, where he focuses on improving public administration and enhancing the role of civil servants.

Dr. Hadi Salavitabar – Former Dean of SUNY New Paltz University, Founder & CEO of Summit Academic Leadership Advisors

Dr. Hadi Salavitabar earned his Ph.D. in 1982 from the State University of New York at Binghamton and has since built a distinguished career in higher education, holding faculty and leadership positions at SUNY New Paltz, The College of Saint Rose, and the University at Albany – SUNY. A published author of numerous research articles and books, he has also served on various national and international boards. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of Ulster Savings Bank, the Board of Directors of Mohonk Mountain House, and the Business Advisory Board of the University of New York in Prague. His contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award, the Alumni Award, and induction into the SUNY New Paltz School of Business Hall of Fame.

Ing. Miroslav Singer, Ph.D. – Former Governor, Czech National Bank, Director of Institutional Affairs, Chief Economist CEE, Generali CEE Holding, BVV

Jiří Rusnok is a prominent Czech economist with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He earned his degree in mathematical methods in economics from the University of Economics in Prague and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh in 1995. Before joining the Czech National Bank (CNB), he held senior roles at Expandia and PricewaterhouseCoopers, focusing on finance, industry, and restructuring. He joined the CNB Bank Board in 2005, served as Vice Governor from 2005 to 2010, and was Governor from 2010 to 2016. Since 2017, he has served as Director of Institutional Relations and Chief Economist at Generali CEE Holding, overseeing operations across Austria, Central and Eastern Europe, and Russia, and was appointed to the company’s Executive Committee in 2018. He also chairs the Supervisory Boards of Česká pojišťovna and Generali Pojišťovna (CZ) and serves as Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Moneta Money Bank. In 2014, The Banker named him “Central Banker of the Year in Europe.”

prof. PaedDr. Radka Wildová, CSc. – Chief Director of the Higher Education, Science and Research Section at MŠMT

Radka Wildová is an expert in early childhood education and literacy, with a distinguished academic and leadership career spanning several decades at Charles University. A graduate of the Faculty of Education, she has specialized in primary school teaching and has worked since 1989 at the Department of Pre-primary and Primary Education, focusing on early literacy and preliteracy through both research and instruction. She has held key positions including Vice-Dean for Studies, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and member of the Rector’s Board. Currently, she serves as Vice-Rector for Quality of Educational Activities at Charles University and Chief Director of Higher Education, Science, and Research at the Czech Ministry of Education (MŠMT). Radka is also active in international professional organizations such as the International Reading Association and the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Development of Educational Action.

Blake Wittman, B.S. – CGO of GoodCall

Blake Wittman is the European Business Director at GoodCall and a shareholder in Good Group, which includes GoodCall, Recruitment Academy, and Datacruit. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked across Fortune 100 companies and startups, consistently driven by a passion for people, purpose, and ethical leadership. After starting his career at Citibank, he moved into recruitment, founding and expanding SpenglerFox across Central Europe to serve top-tier financial institutions. He later held a senior HR role at Philip Morris International before joining the venture-backed startup Lime&Tonic, which shaped his entrepreneurial and market-focused mindset. Today, Blake is helping to redefine the recruitment and human relations industry across Europe.