SAF is delighted to announce an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Brett Rumminger as Regional Director of Partner Development, Student Recruitment, and Operations for East Asia.
He currently serves as Director of SAF Japan, where he has already made an impact, delivering exceptional leadership, genuine enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
In his newly expanded role, he will oversee strategic initiatives across Japan, China, and Korea, collaborating closely with partner universities, students, and internal teams to strengthen and grow SAF’s presence throughout the region.
With extensive international background and experience in student recruitment and program operations, Brett is exceptionally well-suited to lead SAF’s initiatives in East Asia. His career includes roles with some of the region’s most respected international education organizations, including his time as a participant in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and his work with the JA Study Abroad Center (JASA) in Tokyo, where he excelled at developing educational programs and fostering partnerships.
Originally from Michigan, Brett grew up near East Lansing – home of Michigan State University – where he developed an early appreciation for academic excellence and international perspectives. He pursued dual bachelor's degrees in Electrical Engineering and East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
His passion for international education was first sparked during formative experiences abroad, including a memorable high school exchange to pre-reunification Germany in the late 1980s, followed by a three-week tour of Japan, which inspired him to pursue Japanese language and culture as a second major.
His connection to Japan deepened further during academic stints as a visiting international student at Waseda University and through an intensive 10-month Japanese language program at Stanford University’s renowned Inter-University Center in Yokohama.
Throughout his career, Brett has cultivated and managed relationships with universities around the globe, coordinated publications promoting international educational opportunities, and guided numerous students on their journeys abroad.
As Regional Director, Brett will now drive strategies designed to boost student enrollments, build stronger university partnerships, and streamline operations throughout the region. He will also serve as a key liaison connecting regional teams and global headquarters, ensuring alignment in marketing strategies, effective internal communication, and efficient resolution of operational challenges. Crucially, he will mentor teams across the region, nurturing a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
