I’m honored to serve as only the fourth staff leader since our Rotary-initiated organization formed in 1977. That continuity speaks volumes. WAS’s dedicated Board of Directors, other volunteers and part-time staff have engaged some 30,000 young people over the years, advancing peace through understanding by training tomorrow’s leaders.

As a seasoned nonprofit professional, I bring 31 years professional experience as a consultant or staff person to the position, including 18-plus years as the staff leader for Milwaukee-area groups. I’m also now the part-time Development Director for Arise Milwaukee. Previously, I served as the Executive Director for EconomicsWisconsin, Polish Heritage Alliance and Wisconsin Clean Cities. I hold Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in History and English. Go Badgers!

My volunteer involvement includes Chairing the Governance Council for my daughters’ former elementary school, La Escuela Fratney. I was also the Chair and Secretary/Treasurer for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee – Holton Youth Center’s Board of Managers and am active in my two Parishes, Saints Peter and Paul and Our Lady of Divine Providence. And I’m a proud member of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee since 2017.  My wife, Carol Lynn Wandler, and I live in South Milwaukee with our daughters.

Dale Brock. Rick Luedke. Tom Plantenberg. These three past leaders of WAS embodied service above self in their illustrious tenures with WAS. I will always strive to do likewise, reflecting on their accomplishments as I strive to build a brighter future together with all of you.

Jake Oster first attended World Affairs Seminar as a high school delegate, and has since found passion in supporting youth through education. Jake joins the WAS staff with experience in science education, hospitality and event curation, youth program development, and skills in web development and photography. He has held several different roles with World Affairs Seminar, including as staff counselor, and Web Developer. In his current role, he oversees the development of all academic and social activities during the seminar. Jake earned his Bachelors from Northland College.

Jim earned his BA in Finance and Human Resources from the Marquette College of Business.  He is retired from careers in Banking, Property/Casualty Insurance, Milwaukee Archdiocese Parish Finance and Administration, and Federal Government Emergency Management as an Administrative Section Chief embedded at disaster sites.