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 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.
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.
“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.”
