Sonya Vekstein returned to IRI in February of 2005 and currently serves as Chief Operations Officer.  Prior to being named Chief Operations Officer, Vekstein served as IRI’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

In February 2002, Vekstein served as Treasurer and CFO at the Nuclear Threat Initiative.  While there, she defined and implemented a system of internal controls, ensured compliance with tax laws and regulations, managed the annual external audit, managed contracts and grants to domestic and international organizations, and directed operations and compliance of the international office.

Vekstein is originally from the former Soviet Union and immigrated to the United States in 1989.  Prior to joining IRI in 1993, she worked as an Account Associate at Children’s Hospital in Baltimore.

Vekstein is a Certified Public Accountant.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Dagestan State University in Russia and master’s degree from American University in Washington, DC.