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.

Karlene serves as the primary point of contact for sponsors, families, and delegates throughout the World Affairs Seminar registration process. With her professional background in business and education, as well as her volunteer leadership experience with many youth events, she brings strong administrative and communication skills to the successful operation of the annual seminar. Karlene really looks forward to the enthusiasm, energy, and spirit that our delegates bring to each event throughout the week.

Stuart Schmidt first attended World Affairs Seminar as a high school delegate, and has since found passion in supporting youth empowerment through education. Stuart joins the WAS staff with experience in higher education, youth program development, fundraising and donor management, and skills in web development and photography. He has held several different roles with World Affairs Seminar, including as staff counselor, Senior Staff, and Web Developer. In his current role, he oversees the development of all academic and social activities during the seminar. Stuart earned his Masters of Science from Lakeland University and 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 imbedded at disaster sites.

Now Jim spends his time in semi-retirement performing volunteer work for non-profit organizations in finance and accounting, including Wisconsin World Affairs Council which is a special focus for him.  He enjoys working several days per month managing all aspects of F & A and collaborating with staff as part of the management team.    

Jim is proud to be a part of WWAC.  He especially enjoys being part of the system of preparing teenagers to be leaders.