I’m honored to succeed Tom as Executive Director for World Affairs Seminar (WAS), becoming only the fourth staff leader for our Rotary-initiated organization since 1977. That continuity speaks volumes. WAS’s dedicated Board of Directors, other volunteers and staff have engaged some 30,000 young people over the years, promoting peace through a better understanding of people, cultures and major global issues.

As a seasoned nonprofit  professional, I bring 29 years professional experience as a consultant or staff person to the position, including 16-plus years as the staff leader for Milwaukee-area groups. I’ve also 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, looking back on their accomplishments as I look forward to building a bright future together with all of you.

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.

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.