Governance
The Vientiane International School Board of Trustees is a nine-member volunteer group of parents committed to the mission of the school which is to challenge, inspire and empower students to develop their unique potential in our changing world.
The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to ensure that the school delivers on the mission, vision, values, and destiny plans while maintaining the resources and capacity to secure long-term sustainability.
The Board helps to ensure that as a school we provide a safe, respectful, collaborative and sustainable learning environment for not only students, but the entire VIS community.
VIS Board of Trustees School Year 2024 - 2025
Lauren McHardy
Board Chair
Lauren was appointed as chair of the VIS board in 2024, after serving as a board member since 2023. Lauren works at the Australian Embassy and has previously worked in a variety of developing nations. Leadership, operational and management experience are some of the assets Lauren brings to the board. Lauren enjoys having the opportunity to support VIS in achieving its mission through strong governance.
Christopher Dumm
US Embassy Representative
Christopher Dumm is the Management Officer at the US Embassy in Vientiane. He previously worked in Chengdu, China; New Delhi, India; Milan, Italy; and most recently in Washington DC. Prior to joining the Department of State, he worked in the non-profit world and for a member of the US House of Representatives. Chris attended the University of Virginia. He and his wife Danielle have two children who are excited to attend VIS.
Ariya Khamvongsa
Board Member
Ariya (Pop) Khamvongsa has a BA in accounting, and a Masters Degree in International Hospitality and Hotel Management from the University of Western Sydney. He returned to his home country of Lao, 10 years ago. He brings with him 10+ years of experience as the CEO of Naked Espresso. Pop has a child who attends VIS.
Cecilia (Yan) Xu
Board Member
Cecilia joined the board in 2024. She brings her cross-cultural and bilingual experience, as well as a professional background in public health and a commitment to improving student well-being. She has supported health committees with evidence-based guidelines and public health planning, and worked with the World Health Organisation. Cecilia is the parent of two VIS students and is honoured to be part of the VIS governance team.
Nounchanh (Chloe) Savanvaly
Board Member
Nounchanh (Chloe) Savanvaly has returned to her home country Laos 16 years ago, she had lived in Macau, Thailand and the United States. She graduated with a duo degree in Finance and Supply Chain Management in the United State. Currently she is working in the finance industry and has joined the VIS community since 2014, her two children are attending grade 10 and grade 6. She is passionate about holistic education and keen to support all aspects of school development and future plans.
MoonYoung (Bona) Kim
Board Member
Bona has been a long-standing community member, educator, and a Parents and Friends Volunteer and Coordinator since 2014. Bona has a background in comprehensive education and welfare, the Korean language for foreigners, and multiculturalism, which has allowed her to engage deeply in all those areas in our community. Her social nature and ability to network have been an incredible asset to the VIS community. Her experience in general management will offer an excellent opportunity to the board to benefit from her background, experience, and commitment to our school.
Yasuo Philaphandeth
Board Member
Yasuo (Ya) Philaphandeth, a Lao national, brings a wealth of board experience with him. He is currently a board member in 4 other companies. He holds an MBA with a major in Finance from Meijo University and has been back to Laos for the past 12 years. Yasuo is the parent of 2 students at VIS.
