Washington, DC – The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally that was founded in 1983 as a key pillar of President Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” policy, is pleased to announce the election of Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Michael Goldfarb, and David Urban to its Board of Directors.

“We are excited to welcome such an esteemed group of individuals to our board,” said IRI Chairman Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “The fight for freedom is at a crucial juncture, and our new board members know first-hand why winning this fight is so important to American interests.”

“Freedom and democracy are under assault by America’s authoritarian adversaries,” said IRI President Daniel Twining. “Our mission is more important than ever, and our new board members will be central to helping IRI strengthen the forces of freedom around the world.”

Additionally, IRI thanks three retiring board members – Judy Black, Gahl Hodges Burt, and Peter Madigan – for their service to the organization.

“I am grateful to Judy, Gahl, and Peter for their years of fierce leadership and steadfast commitment to IRI’s work around the world,” continued Sullivan.

Please find additional information about IRI, along with biographies of the new board members below.

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About IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally, strengthens democracy across the world by empowering citizens, bolstering democratic governance, and making leaders more accountable to their people. For over 40 years, we have helped people and elected officials foster healthy democratic competition, increase transparency and accountability in government decision-making, and promote involvement in civic and political life. For more information, please visit our website at iri.org.

Biographies: New Board Members

Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK)

Stephanie Bice is a fourth-generation Oklahoman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District. She was elected to Congress in 2020 and was chosen by her colleagues to serve as the 117th Republican Freshman Class President, the first female ever to be elected to the role.

Prior to her congressional service, Bice served in the Oklahoma State Senate from 2014 to 2020. Before entering politics, she worked for almost 20 years in the private sector, gaining experience in business development, financial oversight, and sales, and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University. She and her husband Geoffrey are the proud parents of two adult daughters.

Mr. Michael Goldfarb

Michael Goldfarb is the founder and publisher of the Washington Free Beacon. He served on John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign as deputy director of communications. He has been involved in a series of activist groups supporting conservative foreign policy objectives, including Keep America Safe and the Emergency Committee for Israel.

Mr. David Urban

David Urban currently serves as Managing Director at the BGR Group, one of the most influential bipartisan lobbying and strategic communications firms in America, as well as Of Counsel at Torridon Law, an elite boutique firm, and as a Senior Political Commentator on CNN. Mr. Urban has consulted on a variety of high-profile House, Senate, and Presidential campaigns, including President Trump’s 2016, 2020, and 2024 campaigns. Mr. Urban began his career in Washington as Chief of Staff to Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) and, prior to his time in Washington, was an attorney at Ballard Spahr in Philadelphia.

Mr. Urban began his career, after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, as an artillery officer in the United States Army’s storied 101st Airborne Division. He earned a Bachelor of Science from West Point, a Juris Doctor from the Temple University School of Law, and a Master of Government Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

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