Seminar Staff
Thomas M. Plantenberg, MS, BA,CFRE
Executive Director
Tom Plantenberg assumed the position of Executive Director of the World Affairs Seminar in 2008. He has reorganized the Board of Directors and created a multi-national, high-profile Advisory Board. Tom Plantenberg is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). He is accredited by the Association of Health Care Philanthropy, and a Fellow and Past President of the Wisconsin Hospital Public Relations and Marketing Society. He retired in 2007 from the U.S. Navy Reserve at the rank of Captain.
Stuart Schmidt, MS
Program Director
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.
Michael Carriere, PhD
Academic Dean
Dr. Carriere is an Associate Professor and Director of the University Scholars Honors Program with the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He has extensive experience in curriculum development, international affairs, politics of disaster, urban development, civics and international history.
Dr. Carriere brings a wealth of creative energy and enthusiasm, to his position. He has developed and is applying an innovative set of changes to advance the texture and scope of the World Affairs Seminar, including broadening the scope of break-out sessions and integrating service projects into the capstone process. His high level of experience in academics and international education adds considerable depth to WAS.
Marie Furrer
Office Manager & Registrar
Marie joined WAS in 2020, bringing 20 years of administration experience and a wealth of knowledge to the organization. Her past positions supporting the administrative and organizational needs of a busy high school as well as several other large organizations have equipped her well in her role.