December 3, 2018

December Newsletter

WACA Chairman on Bush 41; President's Letter; Conference Speakers of Note; ASG Speaker Availability; WACSA's New Interim Executive Director; Travel with Councils; plus News!

WACA Chairman Roman Popadiuk Remembers George H.W. Bush

President George H.W. Bush distinguished himself with his strength of character, decency, and dedication to public service. He stands as an inspiration to all Americans. 

His leadership helped liberate Kuwait, bring an end to the Cold War, led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the unification of Germany, and a Europe whole and free. At home, he reached a historic budget deal, passed the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, and brought heightened awareness for the role of volunteerism with the Points of Light program.

His legacy of strong leadership at home and abroad is well recognized and greatly appreciated. Moreover, he leaves a lasting impression on our political life. His political career was marked by decency, civility and respect for adversaries, and for hearing the views of all. It is a legacy that we all respect and admire.

-- Roman Popadiuk

Chairman, WACA Board of Directors

President's Letter

Dear Council Leaders, Friends, and Supporters:

I begin December by visiting three Councils this week - an unusual tour for me, and one that involves exciting activities and affords the opportunity to interact with local Council Boards, staff, and members, make observations, and receive feedback on national programs such as last month's WACA Conference.

Today, I'm with the Naples Council on World Affairs, which is hosting the third in a series of WACA programs supported by the United States Institute of Peace. Ambassador William Taylor, USIP's Executive Vice President will speak on Peacebuilding for National Security. He will also visit a local high school which participates in Academic WorldQuest. USIP is a sponsor of WACA's Academic WorldQuest and will host our National Competition next April.

From Naples, I travel to New Mexico where I will attend the opening of Santa Fe Council on International Relations' Journalism under Fire Conference. On Thursday, I will give a talk on Japan, America, and the New Nationalism at the World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay Area.

I want to thank these Councils for their dedication and gracious hospitality, and I want to congratulate all Member Councils on their excellent programming and educational activities in 2018.

Happy Holidays,

Bill Clifford,WACA President and CEO

Albright Stonebridge Group VPs Available for Speaking Engagements

In partnership with Albright Stonebridge Group, we're pleased to present the following speakers. Please contact WACA President Bill Clifford if you are interested in scheduling engagements with them.

Sumona Guha

Vice President, Europe Practice, Albright Stonebridge Group

Guha served as White House special adviser on Europe and at the State Department as special assistant for Europe. She also served at the U.S. embassies in Paris and Moscow. 

Molly Montgomery

Vice President, Europe Practice, Albright Stonebridge Group

Montgomery joined ASG a few months ago from the White House, where she was special adviser on Europe. She also was Deputy Director of Eastern European Affairs at the State Department and a Career Foreign Service Officer.

John Hughes

Vice President, Europe Practice, Albright Stonebridge Group

Hughes served as Deputy Director of sanction policy and in the Office of Korean Affairs and Bureau of Consular Affairs at the State Department

World Affairs Council of San Antonio has selected Tim Farrell as its Interim Executive Director. He succeeds Leslie Palmer, who had led WACSA since 2016. His career runs deep through high-ranking military service; advisory roles in San Antonio’s Veterans Affairs Commission, Summer of Service (SOS), and as one of the “Veterans for Smart Power” within the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition; and Chief Operating Officer roles within Operation Homefront and The DoSeum.

Travel to Qatar and Oman with WAC Greater Houston

The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is offering a trip to Qatar and Oman February 15-24, 2019. Experience magnificent Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art, enchanting Muscat, and a desert excursion in Wahiba Sands. The trip will be coordinated in collaboration with Diana Untermeyer, Cultural Adviser of the Qatar-America Institute. Apply here.