Professional Background

Kerry is the Executive Director of the newly established Japan-America Society of Wisconsin (JASWI). Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, she moved to Wisconsin in 2022 after living and working in Japan for 20 years. She started her career in Japan with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) in 2003 as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) in the Tottori Prefectural Government International Affairs Division. Kerry later moved to Tokyo and transitioned to the corporate world, spending 12 years in HR and Talent Acquisition at Goldman Sachs Japan.

Education

Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in Japanese studies from Durham University in the UK and completed a study abroad program at Kumamoto University. She also achieved Level 1 certification for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

Community Involvement

She coaches Youth Ultimate Frisbee with Madison Schools & Community Recreation (MSCR), and as a Certified Personal Trainer, she teaches fitness classes at the Neighborhood House Community Center. In addition, Kerry serves as a Furusato PR Ambassador to Tottori Prefecture, promoting cultural exchange and tourism.

Connection to the Organization’s Mission

Kerry is dedicated to being a bridge between Japan, where she has spent most of her adult life, and her new home of Wisconsin.  Her commitment to promoting cross-cultural and bilateral ties will be focused on people-to-people and business-to-business connections.

Personal Interests

Kerry enjoys an active lifestyle and has two elementary-aged sons who are also enthusiastic about sports and outdoor adventures. Her whole family loves exploring Wisconsin’s parks, lakes and bike trails.

Fun Fact

Kerry is an accomplished ultimate frisbee player, having represented Japan in the World Ultimate Club Championships in 2010 and 2014. Her family shares a strong bond with Wisconsin and her husband is a UW-Madison graduate.