Jess Koloini, New President & CEO
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jess Koloini as President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, effective January 5, 2026.
Jess brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge, global experience, and proven leadership that positions our Council for continued growth and impact. Many will remember her from her six years at the Council (2005-2011), where she rose from intern to Vice President of Programs.
Jess sees the Council not just as a convener of conversation but as a driver of action and connection. Her vision, combined with her deep understanding of our mission and her extensive global network, makes her uniquely qualified to lead us into our next chapter.
Upcoming events
Tue
Jan
13
The Second Trump Administration: One Year In
Featuring Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Daily Briefer, and CNN National Security Contributor
Wed
Jan
14
The Architect of Espionage: The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad
A "WorldNow with Jim Falk" event
Wed
Jan
28
Data, Power, and Privacy: AI’s Impact on the New Information Order
Part 2 of the 2025 AI Series
Thu
Jan
29
Welcome CEO Jess Koloini & Member Social
Exclusive for Council members and their invited guests
Tue
Jan
13
The Second Trump Administration: One Year In
Featuring Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Daily Briefer, and CNN National Security Contributor
Wed
Jan
14
The Architect of Espionage: The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad
A "WorldNow with Jim Falk" event
Wed
Jan
28
Data, Power, and Privacy: AI’s Impact on the New Information Order
Part 2 of the 2025 AI Series
Thu
Jan
29
Welcome CEO Jess Koloini & Member Social
Exclusive for Council members and their invited guests
Explore Memberships
General Membership ($120)
In addition to discounted pricing to Council speaker programs, members have access to exclusive members-only events and the remarkable Council network.
Contributor’s circle ($300/$600)
The Contributors’ Circle is a group of philanthropic global thinkers who are committed to lifelong learning and engagement with the world.
Global Forum ($1.2K/$3K)
The Global Forum offers special opportunities to engage with high-level speakers and Council members through exclusive events, briefings and trips.
President’s Circle ($6K)
At this top level of membership, the President’s Circle supports critical areas of the Council’s mission, including expanding investment in area schools, covering costs for student attendance at speaker events, diplomatic outreach, and much more.
Meridian Young Professionals ($120-$6K)
(ages 20-40)
Members who are early in their career have access to dynamic and enlightening programming tailored specifically for them. Meridian members come from all industries and backgrounds but share a common interest in community and global engagement, foreign policy, culture, and current events.
Reduced Rate Memberships ($30)
Our Council programming provides a unique opportunity to learn from some of the foremost thinkers and leaders in the world and expand their global knowledge. Students, educators, and active military can enjoy access to these opportunities – as well as the full benefits of Council membership – for just $25/year.
Explore Memberships
General Membership ($120)
In addition to discounted pricing to Council speaker programs, members have access to exclusive members-only events and the remarkable Council network.
Contributor’s circle ($300/$600)
The Contributors’ Circle is a group of philanthropic global thinkers who are committed to lifelong learning and engagement with the world.
Global Forum ($1.2K/$3K)
The Global Forum offers special opportunities to engage with high-level speakers and Council members through exclusive events, briefings and trips.
President’s Circle ($6K)
At this top level of membership, the President’s Circle supports critical areas of the Council’s mission, including expanding investment in area schools, covering costs for student attendance at speaker events, diplomatic outreach, and much more.
Meridian Young Professionals ($120-$6K)
(ages 20-40)
Members who are early in their career have access to dynamic and enlightening programming tailored specifically for them. Meridian members come from all industries and backgrounds but share a common interest in community and global engagement, foreign policy, culture, and current events.
Reduced Rate Memberships ($30)
Our Council programming provides a unique opportunity to learn from some of the foremost thinkers and leaders in the world and expand their global knowledge. Students, educators, and active military can enjoy access to these opportunities – as well as the full benefits of Council membership – for just $25/year.
Highlights
Here at the Council, we are focused on making an impact in DFW: educating North Texans about global issues that matter, connecting local citizen diplomats with visiting emerging leaders, and inspiring civic engagement and life-long learning.
The numbers aren’t the full story, but they do help to communicate some of that measurable impact.
View FY2025 Annual Report61
public programs
connecting North Texans with the world’s foremost leaders and experts on topics that matter
23
international
visitor groups
exploring ideas, sharing cultures, and building lasting relationships through professional and cultural exchanges
116
participating
north texas schools
providing high-quality programming on international affairs and civic engagement to educators and students
3,596
members
from generous corporate sponsors and business leaders to students, educators – all committed to global awareness