Executive Director
World Affairs Council of Jacksonville
Mission
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote understanding of the world and its people and to engage the citizens of Northeast Florida in becoming better informed participants in the global community.
Serving Jacksonville
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville was formed in 1985 as the National Interest Forum and joined the World Affairs Councils of America in 1995. The World Affairs Councils of America is the largest international affairs nonprofit association in the U.S., with more than 500,000 members and more than 90 affiliated organizations across the nation.
Thosed served
With more than 800 members, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville has grown from a small organization sponsoring a modest speaker program to reaching thousands of individuals every year through two speaker series, educational programs, events and an expanding network of young professionals.
Biggest challenge
The biggest challenge in my position is also my greatest reward – no two days are the same. As the executive director of a midsize council, which has programming like a large council, my duties include such diverse activities as working with a dedicated board of directors, council staff and volunteers to craft and manage the budget; grow membership and sponsorship; plan and execute speaker engagements, special events and fundraisers; coordinate speaker itineraries; and community relations.
Biggest satisfaction
I take great pride in being a part of an organization that is truly “bringing the world closer” to the First Coast community.
Hometown
Annandale, Va.
First experience with community service
I realized the impact that I could have in serving my community by joining with others for a common purpose, and the sense of satisfaction gained from being a part of real change, through my involvement with the student union and my sorority while in college at the University of Texas at Austin.
Your job before the World Affairs Council
I worked in the banking industry.
Upcoming events
April 5: WorldQuest 2011, 6-9 p.m., Aloft Jacksonville, Tapestry Park. This international trivia contest is played with teams of eight and benefits the council’s educational outreach. It kicks off with a corporate round titled “First Coast Connections to the Global Economy” with Melissa Ross, host of WJCT’s First Coast Connect. The traditional five-round competition then begins. Categories include “The Rise of China as a Global Power,” “Cuisine & Culture,” “Quotable Quotes,” “Africa & the Middle East” and “The Digital Wave.’
April 12: Noon at The River Club. Author, editor and TV host Jon Meacham will discuss “The Politics of Economics” at the Global Business Luncheon. Cost: $50 members, $75 nonmembers, $1,000 table sponsor.
April 12: 7 p.m. at the University of North Florida University Center. Meacham will discuss “Is Greatness Slipping Away?” at the Global Issues Evening. No charge to attend, but complimentary tickets are required.
Contact information
www.worldaffairscounciljax.org [email protected]
280-8162