July 9, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Condolences for Cleveland Council; Cover to Cover Tomorrow; New Conference Speakers; and Council News and Highlights

A Message from Amb. Heather Hodges, President and Ambassador-in-Residence, Cleveland Council on World Affairs

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of CCWA’s CEO, Maura O’Donnell-McCarthy. Maura passed away unexpectedly, yesterday morning, July 8. As Chairman of the Board, Wael Khoury, has noted, Maura was an outstanding woman, exemplary mother, a dynamic civic leader, and a dedicated CCWA CEO. She gave CCWA her full commitment and energy and played a pivotal role in growing the organization and assuring its future success. We will share additional details on our website as soon as we have them.

A Message from WACA President and CEO Bill Clifford

There is no loss that feels as hard to me as that of the passing of a true friend. Always generous with her time and advice, Maura brimmed with good ideas and kindness. She was passionate about her work leading the Cleveland Council, and she cared for and supported the national office and network in large ways and small. She sent my staff chocolates after every National Conference to show her gratitude. I will miss our phone conversations, her commitment to high standards, and her smile. I am ever grateful to have known Maura not just as a colleague but also as a true friend these past six years. My deepest sympathies go to her husband Neil, her family, and our friends at the Cleveland Council.

Maura O'Donnell-McCarthy, CEO, Cleveland Council on World Affairs

Tomorrow: Edge of Chaos on Cover to Cover

A generation after the fall of the Berlin Wall, demonstrations have broken out from Belgium to Brazil led by angry citizens demanding a greater say in their political and economic future, better education, healthcare, and living standards. The bottom line of this outrage is the same: people are demanding their governments to do more to improve their lives faster.

In her new book, Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth - and How to Fix It, Dambisa Moyo sets out the specific, radical solutions needed to resolve these issues and reignite global growth.

Join our Cover to Cover conference call with Moyo tomorrow, July 10, at 2:00-2:30 pm ET.

Dambisa will also be a WACA 2018 Conference keynote speaker - join the call for a sneak preview!

WACA 2018 National Conference: Braving the New World Order

November 7-9

The Mayflower Hotel

Washington, DC

Speakers Announced!

New!

Kelly Magsamen

Kelly Magsamen, Vice President for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress

This will be CAP's first off-site briefing at the WACA National Conference

Nina Ansary

Dr. Nina Ansary, Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE) Centre for Women, Peace and Security, and one of six UN Women Champions for Innovation

Ray Rothrock

Ray Rothrock, Chairman and CEO of RedSeal, a Sunnyvale, CA-based provider of network security solutions, and author of Digital Resilience

Further announcements on National Conference speakers and other program details will be made in the coming weeks.

The Conference Registration website will launch later this week. Book your room at our special group rate now!

The World Affairs Councils of America 2018 National Conference will be held November 7-9 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. 

We have secured a special group rate: 1 Bedroom Suite / Standard Room: $259 per night (Single/Double Occupancy) plus tax. Click here to reserve your room!

World Affairs Council - Washington, DC Welcomes New President

Please join WACA in welcoming World Affairs Council-Washington, DC's Interim President and CEO, Dr. Matthew D. Shank, President Emeritus of Marymount University.

Dr. Shank, who previously served on WAC-DC's Board and received the Council’s Educator of the Year Award in 2017, will begin his tenure on July 16.

“Matt Shank is in the top tier of nonprofit executives,” said James Moran, co-chair of the Council Board and former longtime congressman for Northern Virginia’s 8th District. “The World Affairs Council looks forward to having the benefit of Dr. Shank’s intellect, wisdom, and leadership.”

A Warm Welcome to Wendy Skratt, New Head of World Affairs Forum

The World Affairs Forum has appointed Stamford, Connecticut resident Wendy Skratt as Executive Director. Formerly Director of Communications & Events at the Forum, Wendy says her top priorities will be expanding membership and enhancing public awareness of world affairs programs. For those of you who were not able to meet her at the WACA Spring Leadership Meeting in San Antonio, please extend a warm welcome to Wendy.

Councils Are Hiring!

Vermont Council on World Affairs seeks a Marketing and Events Coordinator.

WorldBoston is hiring a Manager of Operations and Global Education Programs.

The American Academy of Diplomacy is Hiring!

WACA's suitemate, The American Academy of Diplomacy, is hiring a Program & Finance Assistant.

New Episode of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute Out Now!

General Michael V. Hayden, former Director of the CIA and former Director of the NSA, delves into The Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in an Age of Lies in a special episode of Global I.Q. Minute with Jim Falk, President and CEO of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.